June 3, 2015. Radium-223, brand name Xofigo (formerly Alpharadin), is an FDA approved intravenous injectable treatment for painful bone metastases in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The drug Radium-223 dichloride (radium-223), an alpha emitter, selectively targets bone metastases with alpha particles. Radium-223 is taken by intravenous injection once a month (every four weeks) for up to six months. Radium-223 received priority review two years ago based on its ability to extend Overall Survival as shown in its Phase 3 trial. ...continue reading "Radium-223 linked to longer overall survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases"
Category: Treatment News
Active Surveillance For Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Does Not Shorten Life
May 18, 2015— AUA, New Orleans. A study of medical records of nearly 10,000 patients with prostate cancer shows that active surveillance (the updated form of watchful waiting) is suitable for most men with low-risk disease. Twelve to 15 years after diagnosis, these men are no more likely to die of prostate cancer than of other conditions and diseases. By contrast, the study shows, to avoid dying of prostate cancer men with high-risk disease may require aggressive "multimodal treatment" including surgery. ...continue reading "Active Surveillance For Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Does Not Shorten Life"
Diabetes A Risk For Men Treated With Androgen Deprivation for Localized Prostate Cancer
June 2, 2015. Primary androgen deprivation therapy for localized prostate cancer increases diabetes risk by up to 60 per cent, particularly in men under 70 years of age, according to research published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology.
"As the benefits of primary androgen deprivation therapy for localized prostate cancer are controversial," the authors say, "and most prostate cancer survivors are of advanced age with comorbidities, it is important to determine if primary androgen deprivation therapy increases the risk of diabetes and to determine the susceptibility factors." ...continue reading "Diabetes A Risk For Men Treated With Androgen Deprivation for Localized Prostate Cancer"
Gene Subgroup C-MYC in Aggressive Gleason 7 Prostate Cancer
May help determine specialized treatment
PSA Rising via TORONTO, Canada – May 27, 2015 – Prostate cancer researchers in Canada have drawn a molecular portrait that provides the first complete picture of localized, multi-focal disease within the prostate and also unveils a new gene subgroup driving it.
...continue reading "Gene Subgroup C-MYC in Aggressive Gleason 7 Prostate Cancer"
Abiraterone rejection in Scotland must be overturned, Prostate Cancer advocate says
Advocating for advanced prostate cancer patients in Scotland, Alister Walker, Chairman and volunteer in Perth & Kinross Prostate Cancer Support Group, writes in the Scottish newspaper The Herald:
"Last week we read the good news that Moderator-Designate of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Reverend Dr Angus Morrison, has overcome the disease (Church leader in cancer warning , The Herald, April 23). With prostate cancer so often being symptomless in its early stages he is right to urge other men to consider speaking to their GP about the disease. This is particularly important for men aged over 50, black men and men whose father or brother has had the disease - who are at a higher risk. ...continue reading "Abiraterone rejection in Scotland must be overturned, Prostate Cancer advocate says"
Brachytherapy combination improves PSA-free survival for patients with higher-risk localized prostate cancer, trial finds
Men receiving the radioactive "seeds" were more likely to be cancer-free five to nine years later. ...continue reading "Brachytherapy combination improves PSA-free survival for patients with higher-risk localized prostate cancer, trial finds"
Injectable Gel Improves Radiation for Prostate Cancer
A device to lower side effects of radiation treatment for prostate cancer, newly approved in the USA, has been used this month on the first patient. The device injects a temporary gel to create a space between the prostate and the rectum.
Named the SpaceOAR System (“OAR” stands for “organ at risk”), the system received FDA clearance on April 1. FDA granted clearance after a US clinical trial showing that SpaceOAR hydrogel achieved a significant reduction in rectal radiation dose and late rectal toxicity.
...continue reading "Injectable Gel Improves Radiation for Prostate Cancer"
Avodart Delays Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Progression, Study Finds
(TORONTO, Canada – Jan. 24, 2012) – For men diagnosed with low-risk, localized prostate cancer, treatment with dutasteride (brand name “Avodart”) delays disease progression, a 3-year study has found. The drug is classed as a 5a-reductase inhibitor. In men opting at this stage for "Active Surveillance," Avodart delayed the start of more active treatment while reducing anxiety.
...continue reading "Avodart Delays Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Progression, Study Finds"