Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Dear Colleagues,

We kindly request your contributions to our preparatory work and the subsequent publication in a special issue of "Journal of Men's Health" on the topic of prostate cancer and prostate diseases.

As the aging population continues to grow, prostate cancer (PCa) and other prostate diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis are increasingly becoming topics of concern for family physicians and the general public. Prostatitis is a common urinary system disease in men under 40, accounting for approximately 25% to 30% of urology outpatient cases, and its incidence is on the rise. Chronic prostatitis not only affects a patient's work and quality of life but also impacts their sexual function, leading to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and even infertility. Prostatitis can also influence prostate hyperplasia to some extent, as it can damage prostate cells, trigger chronic inflammatory responses, alter prostate tissue structures, and potentially exacerbate prostate hyperplasia. Therefore, patients with both prostatitis and prostate hyperplasia may experience severe lower urinary tract symptoms and acute urinary retention. Prostate cancer is currently the most common male malignancy worldwide, making prostate health a lifelong concern for men. With the aging population, various prostate diseases pose significant threats to male life and health, and PCa, along with other prostate diseases like BPH and prostatitis, are increasingly drawing attention from family physicians and the general public. Various prostate diseases pose significant threats to male life and health.

Reportedly, smoking, dietary habits, social environments, environmental pollution, psychological issues, and more are all risk factors for urological diseases, including male reproductive system tumors. We need to further analyze potential risk factors from various angles and strive for early intervention to reduce the incidence of these diseases. Clinical diagnosis primarily relies on radiological examinations, blood markers, and the clinical experience of physicians. Both prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer in their early stages exhibit common symptoms such as urinary difficulties, making it easy for clinicians to confuse the diseases. Nevertheless, the early stages of prostate diseases are often concealed, necessitating the development of more practical and convenient new technologies for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Furthermore, the biological behavior of urinary system tumors differs from that of male reproductive system tumors. Some tumors can still be effectively controlled even in advanced stages, while others, once advanced, can only be managed palliatively. Surgical treatment remains the best option for early and mid-stage localized tumors. Currently, robotic surgery has further achieved the goals of minimally invasive and precision surgery. However, both robotic and traditional laparoscopic surgeries have their own advantages and disadvantages. Faced with different patients, we need to select the most cost-effective approach.

This special issue offers opportunities for discussion on the following additional topics:

- Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer and prostatic diseases;

- Basic research and pathophysiological changes in prostate cancer and prostatic diseases;

- Application of robotic surgery in prostate cancer and prostatic diseases;

- Use of tumor markers in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.