By Dr. Yang Ming-Hsin, Urology Department
On July 23, 2025, Tri-Service General Hospital held a medical achievement press conference where Dr. Yang Ming-Hsin from the Urology Department introduced the hospital’s establishment of the nation’s only "Multidisciplinary Care and Treatment Team for Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis." Through integrated cross-departmental medical care, the team has significantly reduced the incidence of bone metastasis complications while improving patient survival rates and quality of life.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in Taiwan. According to the 2022 cancer registry report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, about one-third of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients already have distant metastases, with bone metastasis being particularly common. This severely affects patients’ quality of life and survival. To provide more comprehensive medical services, the Tri-Service General Hospital Urological Cancer Center has partnered with multiple specialized departments to establish the nation’s only multidisciplinary care and treatment team for prostate cancer bone metastasis. This integrated medical approach greatly reduces complications related to bone metastases and enhances patient survival and quality of life.
Dr. Yang Ming-Hsin pointed out that once prostate cancer metastasizes to the bones, patients often suffer from pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and even malignant hypercalcemia — all of which impose a significant physical and psychological burden. Traditional treatment models, usually led by a single specialty, may overlook multiple aspects of the condition, causing fragmented care and increased risks. Therefore, Tri-Service General Hospital, led by the Urology Department, collaborates with Hematology-Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation, Nuclear Medicine, Oral Surgery, Nutrition, and Cancer Case Management specialists to establish standardized and systematic care protocols. This ensures patients receive comprehensive support from diagnosis, treatment, to follow-up.
Since its establishment, the team has managed 268 patients with bone metastasis. The incidence of bone metastasis complications is significantly lower than the international average. Rates of pathological fractures and radiation therapy sessions are also lower compared to other countries’ data, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated care in disease control and quality improvement.
Mr. Li, 68 years old, a retired junior high school teacher, is one such patient. Three years ago, he sought medical help for frequent urination and pelvic pain, only to be shocked by a diagnosis of prostate cancer with bone metastases. Initially optimistic, he fell into depression due to the worsening condition and feared losing mobility and independence. Fortunately, with his family’s support, he was referred to Tri-Service General Hospital and enrolled in the multidisciplinary care program for prostate cancer bone metastasis.
With the medical team’s support, Mr. Li received bone metastasis-targeted drug therapy that effectively controlled the lesions and prevented complications. The nutritionist designed a personalized diet plan, the rehabilitation team helped strengthen his muscles, and the cancer case manager provided education and follow-up support so he would not feel alone during treatment. After more than a year of integrated therapy, Mr. Li’s condition stabilized and his quality of life greatly improved. He is now able to travel with his family and sincerely says, “Without this team, I probably wouldn’t be able to walk or live this peacefully today.”
Dr. Yang emphasized that prostate cancer is one of the cancers with relatively high survival rates among men; therefore, early diagnosis and delaying bone metastasis are key to improving quality of life. Tri-Service General Hospital’s dedicated team continues to optimize treatment protocols while actively promoting lifestyle habits such as vitamin D and calcium supplementation, regular exercise, and quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, providing comprehensive care from prevention to recovery.
“Prostate cancer is not a man’s fate!” The hospital’s medical team urges men over 50 to undergo regular PSA screenings for early detection and treatment. Combined with professional multidisciplinary integrated support, men can live a life free from cancer worries.