Prostate Cancer Specialists in Bangkok

[Mooserj]

I am seeking input from members on their experiences and recommendations for prostate cancer specialists in Bangkok. I reside in Chiang Mai and have been diagnosed with PCa Stage T2C- Gleason 7, 12 positive biopsy cores, perinural invasion on 5, and last PSA of 9.1

Doctor in Chiang Mai suggests surgery. He has agreed and referred me for a new 3T Multiparametric MRI in Bangkok to confirm staging and any extra capsular spread. As a result I want to see another specialist for 2nd opinion and to get this MRI.

Based on some research and comments here I am considering the following hospitals for their specialist doctors and they have the 3T MP-MRI:

• Samitivej Hospital - Dr. Isares Saison​; Dr. Thanoo Choovichan Cancer specialist : Dr. Wirote Lausuntornsiri;
• Siriraj Hospital Urology Centre - Dr Sittiporn Srinualad
• Siriraj Private - Dr Sittiporn Srinualad

I can't find any recent posts on this topic and current information on prostate cancer specialists so really would like to hear from others who have experienced this problem and used these or any other recommended specialists for me to consult.

Thanks for your time - not looking forward to this journey.

Cheers

[ajahnlau]

Depending on your age try to avoid surgery.

[simple1]

With your current diagnosis I would recommend asking your specialist whether it makes sense to have a PET scan for prostate cancer lymph nodes as MRI does not necessarily identify prostate cancer spread, plus bone scan. Depending on your age, based upon my experience in Oz, if you select surgery, you will undergo heart function tests as the procedure is considered major surgery.

The issue with radiation treatment, sometimes selected due to less risk of incontinence (2% long term risk with surgery) & impotence, is if further surgery is required due to cancer spread if can limit the surgeon's options. Either way if PSA is identified in the blood in sufficient quantity after surgery or radiation it would most likely dictate hormonal treatment that will cause impotence.

If you would like more feedback please contact me via PM.

[Sheryl]

Add to your list:

Dr. Viroj Chodchoy at Bumrungrad. He has treated several TV members for prostate cancer. https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Viroj-Chodchoy

As you may know, perinural invasion indicates likely spread beyond the prostate and an aggressive cancer which would warrant aggressive treatment. Things like "watchful waiting", which can indeed be options for many men with prostatic cancer, are not options in this situation.

[Mooserj]

Thanks Sheryl and others for your input..

[offset]

I had my prostate removed by Dr. Viroj Chodchoy at Bumrungrad I found him very helpful and I did not have any complications with my surgery, he did not do Robotic Surgery at that time (6 years ago) the only doctor I found at that time to do Robotic was Dr Sittiporn Srinualad but that was in a government hospital at that time Bumrungrad did not have that facility at the time

[henrylao]

Consider also ultrsound treatment. Dr Isares can advice. But if possible at all do treatment in a country where doctors have more experience with these procedures. The nerves they can cut are very essential ....

[Sheryl]

High frequency ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer is limited to localized, low risk cancers.

From the info provided by the OP, the cancer is no longer localized and is aggressive. So this is not an option in his case.

I appreciate the concerns various posters have voiced re nerve damage, sexual function etc but the OP is facing a serious threat to his life. Prostate cancers vary greatly and some are highly aggressive.

[Mooserj]

Thanks again for the various feedback...will see how I go with my consult at Sirarj Private later this week. Cheers

[Mooserj]

Meet with Dr. Sittiporn at Siriraj Private. Easy to book and register at this facility and reasonable english. Happy with his consult and have done some further imaging, blood and pathology review. Back later in the month for update on diagnosis.

[Sheryl]

Glad you found a doctor you are comfortable with. Please keep us posted on the outcome and god luck!

[Mooserj]

Hi Again Sheryl

Wondering if anyone can recommend radiation/medical oncologist specializing in prostate cancer either in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

I previously had surgery for prostate removal at Siriraj Public (premium Ward) with Dr Sittiporn - happy with him, team and nurses who treated me. It been 7 months and unfortunately at this stage there is an increasing PSA trend (3 separate rises, albeit low levels at this stage - at0.10 currently.

Pathology indicated I was a pT2C, G 4+3 with T5. This is referred to either a G8 or G9 depending on various papers you read. I am seeing Sittiporn still and next appointment is in January to check if trend upwards is continuing.

In anticipation of needing further salvage consultation trying to find good oncologists to speak with. No doubt Sittiporn will suggest some if needed. As I live in Chiang Mai wondering if anyone has had prostate salvage treatment here or in Bangkok? I see Chula Cancer centre does prostate?

Appreciate any feed back.

[Sheryl]

CMU Hospital has a good radiation oncology team, which can do both external beam and  brachytherapy. Key doctors on this team are:

Assoc. Prof.Dr. Ekkasit Tharavichitkul

Asst. Prof. Vicharn Lorvidhaya

Prof. Vimol Sukthomya

 

They have oncologists that they work with but I don't have a specific name for one at CMU.  There is an excellent, US trained oncologist at CM Ram Hospital, Dr. Rattiya Cheewakriangkrai. Her CV is here. But note that having chemo  at a private hospital will  cost considerably more than at Sripat.

 

I am puzzled by what you report of the path finding because AFAIK there is no such thing as T5, the highest T grade is T4. There should also be an "N' number of indication of findings re the lymph nodes.

 

Have you had bone scan, lung scan etc to check for metastasis?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[al007]

Recently after a prostate Holeps in India, it was discovered  ( when the biopsy was done) I had not only prostate cancer but also colon/rectum cancer, my prostate was relatively low like Gleason 3/10, my PSA prior to Holeps was 13.1, a couple of weeks ago it was down to 6.1, still above the recommended but a big improvement

 

I know a reasonable amount about robotic surgery in India, because at one stage I considered this

 

I am currently undergoing radiation and chemo at Chulalongkorn, public hospital in Bangkok, I am self insured and pay my own bills

 

I chose BKK over KhonKaen where I live because the specialists  and equipment is better in BKK, at my hospital they are using very uptodate American equipment, and may well be better than CM, but I do not know

 

Incidentally HM the Queen is I believe in the same hospital at the moment which must suggest it is very highly, respected

 

I have also received a lot of help and advice from Sheryl, and I value very highly her advice

 

Maybe if you wish PM me and I will give you my telephone number and I can share my experiences with you

 

I would be very grateful if I only had prostate cancer !! keep smiling

Edited November 20, 2016 by al007

[Mooserj]

Hi Sheryl

 

Next visit to Siriraj will include scans as you asked about and next PSA to check on any mets but as I research these aren't really helpful usually at low PSA values.  The T is about the Gleason score that is 4+3 with tertiary 5 (its a Gleason 5).  It shows a more aggressive cancer than just 4+3.  I was not referring to the Staging that only goes to 4 as you say.  These days pathology at some institutions when they see three grades of tumour with significant presence they report it that way.  It apparently assists in determining follow up treatment if required. The path was pT2CN0M0. Lymph nodes were reactive or swollen but not cancerous.  There was a lot of perineurial invasion.  

 

Thanks al007 for your information - I will be in touch.