RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT:

A recent study compared how doctors define the boundaries of prostate cancer using traditional methods versus new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

In the study, 10 doctors from multiple institutions reviewed 50 prostate cancer cases. First, they manually mapped out the cancer using standard methods. A month later they used AI software to do the same task. The AI system, designed to pinpoint cancer based on MRI scans, biopsy data, and other clinical information, significantly outperformed the manual approach.

The AI-assisted method improved the accuracy of detecting cancerous tissue—jumping from 67.2% with standard methods to 84.7% with AI. This is a huge leap forward! Not only did AI help identify more of the cancerous tissue, but it also reduced the chances of missing any significant areas of cancer—a common problem with manual methods. In fact, the AI method had a 72.8% success rate in completely encapsulating the cancer, compared to only 1.6% with the traditional approach.

This could have real-world impacts on how we treat prostate cancer. Doctors who used AI were more likely to recommend focal therapy that targets just the cancerous part of the prostate, rather than the whole gland. This could mean fewer side effects and better quality of life for patients.

The study also highlighted that AI could reduce the variability between doctors' assessments, making treatment plans more consistent and reliable.

In conclusion, while AI isn’t replacing doctors, it’s proving to be a powerful tool that could help make prostate cancer treatment more accurate and personalized. The future looks bright for patients, as this technology continues to be refined and integrated into clinical practice.

Q&A WITH DR. MALIK:

A Question from a subscriber: “What is the best way to clean and take care of a penis with foreskin in tact. Washing with soft soap and water would be obvious. But what about applying creams or oils. Castor oil seems to be beneficial for both men and woman in keeping skin clean and hydrated. I've noticed hand sanitizer does not work. It's too aggressive for the delicate areas. Also Dettol is aggressive unless it's very diluted.”

Answer:

You don't need anything special to clean your foreskin/penis. You can just use a soap for sensitive skin and gently wash the area. If the skin is dry, any lotion for sensitive skin will be fine (ideally without fragrance). For foreskin - it's good to make sure the area is dry and clean and sometimes make require a cornstarch-based powder in the hot months of the year to prevent moisture buildup. Learn more about cleaning your genitals here!

Every week, Dr. Malik will answer a question from one of our subscribers. If you have a question you'd like Dr. Malik to answer, submit it here for a chance to be featured!

WHAT’S NEW WITH DR. MALIK?

Spent the last weekend in Encinitas, CA, in the pool with my boys! The weather was perfect, and we had a blast. If you want to see some of the places we visit or where we go out to eat, follow our new Instagram handle @seasonednarratives. The kids are back in school now, so my weekends are about to get a lot less exciting 😆

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CHANNEL:

Boost Testosterone or Bust? The Truth About Shilajit Benefits, Explained by Urologist

Are the claims about Shilajit turning you into a testosterone titan truly backed by science, or are they just clever marketing? In our latest episode, Dr. Rena Malik delves into these intriguing questions, separating fact from fiction.

Episode Highlights

• Exploring Shilajit: Dr. Malik gives a comprehensive overview of Shilajit, a sticky substance found in the Himalayan mountain ranges and used in traditional medicine for centuries.

• Scientific Insights: We dive into the specifics of how components in Shilajit—like fulvic acid, dibenzapyrones (DBPs), and chromoproteins (DCPs)—may influence testosterone production through their antioxidant properties.

• The Study: Dr. Malik discusses a 2016 randomized control trial involving 96 healthy men that showed promising results in increasing both total and free testosterone levels after 90 days of Shilajit supplementation.

• Skeptical View: While the findings are encouraging, Dr. Malik urges caution due to potential biases, the small sample size, and the lack of long-term studies. She also touches upon the risks associated with unpurified Shilajit, emphasizing the importance of purchasing from reputable, third-party tested sources.

• Practical Advice: Before jumping on the supplement bandwagon, Dr. Malik offers practical tips on how to naturally boost testosterone through maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, improving sleep quality, and engaging in resistance training.

While Shilajit shows some promise in boosting testosterone levels, it's crucial to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism. Relying on well-established health practices may still be your best bet for a natural testosterone boost.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PODCAST:

Curved Penis? Here's What You Need to Know! Featuring Dr. Jesse Mills | Peyronie’s Disease

This week, Dr. Malik talked about some crucial topics that many men face but few discuss openly, joined by the renowned Dr. Jesse Mills, they unpack the complexities of these conditions and explore the latest treatment options.

• Penile Plication Techniques - Get insights into the latest surgical techniques, including the use of smaller stitches to reduce length loss and post-op traction to improve elasticity.

• Plaque Excision and Grafting - Learn why there's a shift towards these methods and how Xiaflex is transforming treatment for milder cases.

• Complications and Erectile Dysfunction - Understand the potential complications, particularly erectile dysfunction, that may arise post-treatment and the importance of patient selection.

• Conservative Treatment Options - Before jumping to surgery, hear about oral treatments like Zial, pentoxifyline, and citrulline, and the potential benefits of shockwave therapy combined with interlesional therapy.

We also delve into a discussion about the psychological toll of these conditions:

• Emotional Impact of Male Infertility - Discover the emotional challenges faced by men dealing with infertility and the isolation they often feel.

• Mental Health & Peyronie's Disease - From antidepressants to suicidality, we emphasize the necessity of addressing the psychological aspects upfront.

This episode provides valuable insights into managing these conditions:

• Patient Expectations - The importance of setting realistic expectations for patients with Peyronie's disease.

• Role of Partners - How crucial support, communication, and understanding are in the treatment process.

Special Highlights:

• Effectiveness of Tadalafil - Learn about the potential benefits of daily tadalafil use during the active phase of Peyronie's disease.

• Collagenase Therapy - Understand the use and impact of collagenase in treating this condition, approved since 2013.

We hope this episode empowers and educates those who may be struggling with these conditions or know someone who is. Your health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we aim to provide you with the resources and community you need.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here!