While I do not know the specifics of his disease, I do know that it was organ confined as Mr. Palmer underwent a radical prostatectomy at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This case demonstrates that our abilities to make proper judgement of who will be the best candidate for any treatment course are seriously flawed. In Mr. Palmer's case, the reality and sadness came when it was revealed that he would require follow up radiation. In plain and simple terms, radiation suggests that the initial therapy selected was inappropriate and ineffective. While I personally wish Arnold Palmer well, this case points to the dogma or arrogance relating to the patient-physician, disease decision process.
Physicians tend to be the judge and jury for what is best for the patient.
This is difficult to swallow unless the physician is well versed in all modalities of treatment including intermittent hormonal manipulation. At the Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer Center, I see patients from all over the country. While these patients are seeking a second opinion, the vast majority of these patients have not been properly schooled as to the risks and benefits of all treatment options. A common finding is that patients state that their doctors have told them that cryotherapy is still experimental. The American Urologic Association approved cryosurgery in 1997 as an appropriate, acceptable treatment modality.