Please note: This is the pharmacology version of the course: Prostate Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention R206C. Click here to take the general version (no pharmacology CEs).

Course Summary

Prostate cancer is a prevalent malignancy affecting men worldwide, with varying degrees of severity and prognosis. Common symptoms include urinary frequency and urgency, weak urine stream, or blood in the urine. In its early stages, prostate cancer may be asymptomatic, highlighting the importance of routine screenings for early detection. Diagnosis of prostate cancer typically involves a combination of tests that help to determine the stage, grade, and aggressiveness of the cancer, which guide treatment. Treatment modalities for prostate cancer vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the tumor. Treatment choice is often personalized based on individual patient factors to achieve optimal outcomes while minimizing side effects and preserving quality of life.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Types of Prostate Cancer
    • Adendocarcinoma
    • Small Cell Carcinoma
    • Transitional Cell (Urothelial) Cancer
    • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) vs. Prostate Cancer
  • Incidence and Risk Factors
    • Risk Factors
  • Anatomy and Function of the Prostate Gland
  • Pathophysiology of Prostate Cancer Development
    • Hallmarks of Cancer and Prostate Cancer
    • Molecular Alterations in Prostate Cancer
    • Microenvironment and Prostate Cancer Progression
    • Prostate Cancer Metastasis
    • Less Common Sites of Metastasis
  • Symptoms and Differential Diagnosis
    • Early Identification
    • Prostate-specific Antigen
    • PSA Velocity and Density
    • Age-specific PSA Ranges
    • Digital Rectal Exam
    • Biopsy
    • Staging
  • Active Surveillance and Treatment
    • Radical Prostatectomy
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Immunotherapy
    • HIFU and Cryotherapy
  • Prevention of Prostate Cancer
    • Diet and Weight
    • Lifestyle Changes
  • Case Study: Prostate Adenocarcinoma
    • Role of the Interdisciplinary Team
  • Summary

Author

Marilyn Lajoie, MD, DC, CCSP

Dr. Marilyn Lajoie obtained her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine in 1999, Her residency began with one year of Anatomical and Surgical Pathology at Orlando Regional Medical Center, before transferring within the same post-graduate residency program to Internal Medicine. Upon completion of residency, she went into private practice in Orlando, where she specialized in Internal Medicine, Sports Medicine and Rehab, as well as acute and chronic pain management. Before becoming a medical doctor, she had practiced as a Chiropractic Physician, graduating from New York Chiropractic College in 1980, practicing initially on Long Island, N.Y., before moving to Florida where she had a successful chiropractic practice and physical rehabilitation center, and gained recognition as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. Dr. Lajoie was also the Director of Physical Therapy at Horizon Hospital, a residential and outpatient psychiatric hospital, and later, continued in the same capacity at Horizon’s sister psychiatric hospital in Brooksville, Florida. Dr. Lajoie maintained her chiropractic license and continued to practice both Internal Medicine and Chiropractic throughout private practice, until moving to the Veterans Healthcare System in 2014. Continuing in both fields, she became the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Montana VA, where she completed her service in 2021. Dr. Lajoie now works predominantly in telemedicine, and in an Expert Witness capacity for both medical and chiropractic cases. Still living in Montana, she enjoys being able to treat not only the rural areas of the state through this technology, but also patients across the US where she maintains multiple active state licenses. She and her husband also own a llama ranch with over thirty llamas that are hand selected for rare genetics. At the llama ranch, the public is invited to come and visit to learn about these elegant creatures, and to see ranch life firsthand – llama style! Dr. Lajoie and her husband have six adult children, as well as seven dogs.