Unmet need and the realities living with advanced prostate cancer
Prostate cancer casts a long shadow, affecting thousands of men in Ireland each year. It occurs when the cells of the prostate gland grow in an abnormal way to form a lump (tumour). In some men, prostate cancer grows slowly; in others it progresses quickly and can spread to other parts of the body. Typically, symptoms occur when the tumour has grown large enough to disturb the bladder or press on the tube that drains urine. Symptoms vary but commonly include passing urine more often, especially at night, trouble starting or stopping urination, slow flow or pain when passing urine. Less common symptoms include blood in the semen or urine, and feeling like you cannot empty your bladder fully.
In Ireland, 4,000 men face this diagnosis each year, meaning 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. The second leading cause of cancer death in men during 2018-2020, the disease accounts for 75,000 deaths across Europe annually.
These numbers paint a stark picture: diagnoses have been steadily climbing over the past five years, making the need for effective treatments more urgent than ever. While advancements in prostate cancer treatment offer hope, the reality for those living with advanced forms of the disease remains challenging and advanced prostate cancer continues to be a serious, life-threatening condition. Men with newly identified advanced (metastatic) disease, either at first diagnosis or following prior local therapy, have poorer outcomes. The impact on quality of life can be profound, with men facing not only the physical burden of the illness but also the emotional and psychological toll it takes. The disease can lead to distressing issues such as erectile dysfunction, making intimate moments a source of anxiety. The fatigue and discomfort from treatments can make it difficult to engage in hobbies, leaving men feeling isolated and detached from the activities that they once enjoyed. Urinary incontinence can add another layer of stress and embarrassment, further eroding confidence and overall quality of life.
Commitment and heritage in prostate cancer treatment
Despite the prevalence of the disease, the evolving landscape of prostate cancer treatment offers reasons to be optimistic. Overall survival rates in Ireland have improved averaging 93% for the period 2014-2018, having increased from 65% from the period 1994 – 1998. Earlier detection, better molecular diagnostics and innovation in medicine all contributed to this significant increase.
As treatment shifts from a ‘one-size-fits-all approach’ towards personalised medicine, modern therapies with the potential to transform the entire trajectory of the disease are offering new hope to people living with prostate cancer. At Johnson & Johnson, our focus is on intercepting prostate cancer with transformational therapies for men with earlier stage high-risk localised disease. Our differentiated portfolio of medicines targets each stage of the disease pathway from early, localised disease to late-stage, metastatic prostate cancer.
These advancements go beyond simply targeting the cancer cells themselves, embracing a highly targeted and holistic view of care that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of each individual.
This progress is fuelled by long-term collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation with clinicians, patient groups, and policymakers. These partnerships are essential for driving groundbreaking research, developing new treatments, and improving the lives of those affected by prostate cancer. Ultimately, those with lived experience of prostate cancer are at the heart of research and development. Embedding their voices early on, from clinical trials to treatment decisions, is essential for developing therapies that truly address the needs and priorities of those living with prostate cancer.
Redefining prostate cancer diagnosis
The fight against this disease demands a bold vision: redefining the diagnosis from life threatening to a manageable condition. An important first step in this process is to empower men to be proactive about their health. Enhanced awareness of the signs and symptoms is an important step to encourage earlier detection, leading to more effective interventions and better outcomes. Genetic testing is also starting to play a role in the fight against this disease, identifying men who may benefit from targeted therapies tailored to their specific genetic makeup. This provides clinicians with exciting opportunities to provide the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.
Over the past number of years, J&J has supported a range of initiatives with advocacy organisations to raise awareness of the symptoms and the effect this disease has on those living with prostate cancer. J&J supports academic research by contributing of the Janssen Newman Fellowship in Prostate Cancer Outcomes Research (IPCOR) at UCD.
In 2022, we sponsored the Marie Keating Foundation podcast “Talking Prostate Cancer” series which featured expert clinicians and patient advocates speaking about the signs and symptoms, treatment options and the impact of early detection.
Movember is an annual initiative each November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, focusing on prostate cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, and testicular cancer. At J&J, we are proud to join these collective efforts.
At J&J our ultimate ambition is to create a future where disease is a thing of the past, where prostate cancer can be treated as a manageable condition, or where prostate cancer can be cured or prevented, radically changing the trajectory of the disease.
For further information and support, visit the Irish Cancer Society, the Marie Keating Foundation, or Men Against Cancer websites. Contact your doctor if you are concerned about prostate cancer.
References available upon request
