The Science of Prostate Cancer: Breakthroughs on the Horizon
On this episode, The Science of Prostate Cancer: Breakthroughs on the Horizon," Host Reggie Hicks and Dr. Robert Gatenby break down how evolution-informed adaptive therapy can outsmart resistance in metastatic prostate cancer—extending control, reducing toxicity, and pointing toward a future where prostate cancer is managed like a chronic condition. Tune in for practical questions to ask your oncologist, real trial insights, and a hopeful path forward.
Guest Contact
Dr. Gatenby welcomes contact via email, Robert.Gatenby@moffitt.org. He encourages patients to involve their treating oncologist in any discussion about adaptive strategies.
If You Are My Brothers — Ep. “The Science of Prostate Cancer: Breakthroughs on the Horizon” Host: Reggie Hicks Guest: Dr. Robert “Bob” Gatenby — Department Chair & Program Leader of Diagnostic Imaging & Interventional Radiology; Co-Director, Center for Excellence for Evolutionary Therapy (Tampa, FL) Series: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Special Recorded Live: Multistream (YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook) Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for education only and is not to be used as a substitute for medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Episode Summary
Reggie sits down with Dr. Robert “Bob” Gatenby to explore where prostate cancer care is headed right now—and how evolution-informed, adaptive therapy is changing the goal from an all-out “kill every cell” approach to long-term control with better quality of life. They unpack why metastatic disease remains deadly despite new drugs, how treatment itself can select for resistance, and why math and ecology (yes, goats on the Galápagos!) can guide smarter therapy sequencing. Dr. Gatenby shares eye-opening results from adaptive-therapy trials, practical guidance for patients and oncologists, and a bold prediction: in the near future, prostate cancer could be managed as a chronic condition rather than a cause of death.
Key Takeaways
Cure vs. Control: Localized prostate cancer is often curable; metastatic disease remains fatal largely due to the evolution of drug resistance.
•Why “maximum dose” can backfire: Hitting tumors with continuous, high-dose therapy kills sensitive cells and selects for resistant ones that drive relapse.
•Adaptive therapy in practice: Treat to reduce tumor burden, then pause to let drug-sensitive cells keep resistant cells in check; re-treat as needed.
•Trial signals: In castrate-sensitive and castrate-resistant settings, adaptive approaches have shown longer time to progression and overall survival while using less drug and reducing side effects.
•Math matters: Cancer is a complex adaptive system. Mathematical modeling helps predict nonlinear dynamics and design smarter therapy sequences.
•Patient playbook: If a cure is plausible, pursue it. If metastatic/incurable, prioritize long-term control + quality of life and discuss adaptive strategies with your oncologist.
•Hopeful horizon: With directed evolution strategies, prostate cancer could be managed like a chronic disease in the coming years.
Resources & Links
•Project & Podcast: If You Are My Brothers — website: https://ifyouaremybrothers.org/
•Learn more about adaptive/evolutionary therapy: Ask your oncologist about intermittent/adaptive strategies and whether a clinical trial is appropriate in your case.
•Screening: Talk to your clinician about PSA testing and individualized screening plans, especially if you’re high-risk.
For Patients & Caregivers
•If your disease is localized, discuss curative options.
•If metastatic, ask about goals (control vs. cure), treatment breaks, biomarkers (e.g., PSA trends), side-effect management, and quality of life.
•Consider a second opinion at centers familiar with adaptive/evolutionary therapy; ensure your treating oncologist stays “captain of the ship.”
Mentioned
•Sponsor: The Creators Nature Blend — herbal serums, oils, and tonics online at https://www.thecreatorsnatureblend.com/
•Community Event (Atlanta): National Black Arts Festival — “Thriving Together,” Saturday, Sept 28 at Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park online at https://nbaf.org/thriving-together-atlanta-community-arts-and-wellness-festival
Credits
• Host & Producer: Reggie Hicks
• Technical Producer: Daniel “Danny” Garcia Poso
• Theme: Zach Reynolds, Borkhouse Productions, https://www.borkhouse.com/ • A Straight Street Media project, www.straightstreetmedia.org
Next Episode
“Transparent, Honest, Necessary: Talking Prostate Cancer Out Loud” — Live next Thursday at 7:00 PM ET. Please bring your questions; nothing is off-limits.