Johnson & Johnson Launches Prostate Cancer Public Education Initiative to Support Patients in Achieving Rapid and Deep PSA Decline

China Finance and Economics News, August 21st: The public welfare project "Healthy Leap: Depth, Speed, and Attitude" for prostate cancer awareness, initiated by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Pharmaceuticals and supported by Beijing Radio and Television Station, officially kicked off today in Beijing.

This project focuses on the core needs of prostate cancer patients during their treatment process, helping them pursue higher treatment goals and achieve a deep and rapid reduction in PSA (prostate-specific antigen). It uses diving as a visual representation of the deep and rapid reduction to convey its significant value for patient prognosis, showcasing a positive and uplifting attitude towards life.

Data shows that China has an annual incidence of 134,200 new cases of prostate cancer, ranking first among male urological and reproductive system tumors. Both the incidence and mortality rates are still increasing yearly, making it one of the significant diseases threatening the physical and mental health of middle-aged and elderly men.

Professor Gong Kan, Executive Deputy Director of the Institute of Urology at Peking University and Chief Physician of the Urology Department at Peking University First Hospital, stated that the risk of prostate cancer increases gradually with age, and standardized PSA screening is often the frontline warning for combating prostate cancer. "It is recommended that men over 50 undergo regular PSA testing; for those with a family history of prostate cancer, it should begin at 45, aiming for early detection and early intervention."

Reportedly, the current standardized PSA screening has enabled an increasing number of patients with early-stage prostate cancer to achieve clinical cure. However, due to the hidden symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer and the need for further improvement in societal awareness of early screening, over 30% of prostate cancer patients in China are diagnosed at a stage when distant metastasis has already occurred, resulting in an overall poor prognosis.

"How to effectively control disease progression in advanced patients and extend their survival has always been a core direction of exploration in the medical field," pointed out Professor Gong Kan. In recent years, the advent of innovative treatment options such as novel endocrine therapy drugs and targeted drugs is continuously pushing the boundaries of patient survival and significantly improving patient outcomes.

In the evaluation of treatment for advanced prostate cancer, a rapid and deep decline in PSA serves as a key "signal light" for a favorable prognosis. Professor Gong Kan stated that when assessing treatment efficacy, it is important not only to see whether PSA decreases but also whether it achieves a rapid and profound reduction early on. Research shows that patients receiving novel endocrine therapy whose PSA levels drop below 0.2 ng/mL within three months have significantly longer progression-free survival and overall survival compared to those with insufficient PSA reduction. Patients who achieve a PSA level below 0.2 ng/mL at both three and six months report better quality-of-life indicators such as reduced pain and fatigue. This means these patients not only extend their lifespan but also experience positive improvements in their quality of life. "Patients with advanced prostate cancer should closely monitor PSA changes and work with their doctors to establish personalized monitoring plans and adjust strategies in a timely manner, striving toward the treatment goal of 'living longer and living better.'"

"Through scientific and standardized treatment and care, patients with advanced prostate cancer can also enjoy a better quality of life." Professor Hua Guan, Chief Nurse of the Urology Department at Peking University First Hospital, shared rehabilitation cases of patients with advanced prostate cancer from the perspective of clinical care. She pointed out that many patients not only achieved effective control of their condition but also rebuilt their expectations for life through standardized medication guidance, psychological counseling, and scientific care methods such as PSA monitoring.

This public welfare project provides insight into the significant value of a rapid and deep decline in PSA for the management of prostate cancer. Using the visually striking imagery of diving, it vividly conveys the life-affirming power of such a profound drop. As a diver leaps up and gracefully enters the water, the elegant arc traced by their body mirrors the steeply declining curve of PSA levels seen in the diagnostic reports of prostate cancer patients.

With the official launch of this public welfare project for prostate cancer education, Johnson & Johnson Innovation will collaborate with media outlets such as Beijing Radio and Television Station to introduce the "Dad's Rapid PSA Drop Plan." This initiative will integrate multidisciplinary resources by inviting authoritative experts to conduct various forms of science education, working with nursing professionals to explain key points of long-term disease management, partnering with oncology nutrition experts to create personalized nutrition recipes for prostate cancer patients, and coordinating with rehabilitation exercise specialists to guide patients in daily workout routines. Additionally, more healthcare professionals will share real-life cases of significant and sustained PSA reduction and long-term survival to instill confidence and hope in patients.

When talking about the original intention of initiating this project, Kevin Cai, Vice President of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine China and Head of the Oncology Department, stated that Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine has been deeply involved in the oncology field for 20 years, committed to providing transformative medical solutions for patients and responding to their higher expectations in terms of survival time, quality of life, and long-term disease management. "The launch of this prostate cancer public welfare project fully demonstrates our efforts and determination to deepen collaboration with all parties and promote the continuous upgrading of prostate cancer science popularization to a multi-disciplinary and full-cycle approach."