Death from Other Causes Among Men with Early-stage Prostate Cancer 08/25/2010
Among men with early-stage prostate cancer, assessment of other health problems may help guide prostate cancer treatment decisions; men who are likely to die of causes other than prostate cancer may not benefit from aggressive prostate cancer treatment. These findings were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Men with early-stage ...

Study Evaluates Physician Use of Finasteride for Prostate Cancer Prevention 08/17/2010
Recent research indicates that 64% of urologists and 80% of primary care physicians surveyed do not prescribe finasteride for prevention of prostate cancer in high-risk men. These findings were recently published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.[1] Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men in the United ...

Provenge® for Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 08/10/2010
Among men with metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer, the immunotherapy agent Provenge® (sipuleucel-T) improves survival by roughly four months. The findings from this Phase III study were recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.[1] The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms semen. It ...

Study Evaluates Incidence of Lymphedema Resulting from Cancer Treatment 08/08/2010
A systematic review of 47 studies evaluating treatment for melanoma, head and neck cancer, genitourinary cancers, gynecologic cancers, and sarcoma indicates that lymphedema is a common side effect of treatment for these diseases. These findings were recently published in the journal Cancer.[1] Lymphedema is the buildup of lymph fluid in ...

Study Explores Prostate Cancer Among Men with Low PSA Levels 07/29/2010
In a large U.S. cancer database, 14% of prostate cancer diagnoses occurred among men with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 4.0 ng/mL or lower. More than half of these men had cancer that was considered “low-risk,” but roughly three-quarters were treated aggressively with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. These ...

Statins May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence 07/01/2010
Statin use may reduce the risk of prostate cancer recurrence among men who have undergone a radical prostatectomy. These findings were recently published in the journal Cancer.[1] Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs; they are the most commonly prescribed class of prescription drugs in the United States. Some studies have suggested that ...

Watchful Waiting May Be Sufficient in Low-risk Prostate Cancer 06/29/2010
Active surveillance—sometimes referred to as “watchful waiting”—may be acceptable treatment for low-risk prostate cancer, according to the results of a study published early online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.[1] Men with early-stage prostate cancer have the option of being treated with radiation therapy, surgery, or no therapy ...

Jevtana Approved for Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 06/21/2010
Jevtana® (cabazitaxel), a new chemotherapy drug, was approved for use in combination with prednisone for the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer previously treated with a Taxotere® (docetaxel)-containing regimen. Prostate cancer is a hormonally sensitive disease that can be controlled for long periods with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or ...

Addition of Radiation to Hormone Therapy Improves Survival in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 06/08/2010
The addition of radiation therapy to hormone therapy reduces the risk of prostate cancer death by 43% among men with locally advanced or high-risk prostate cancer compared with hormone therapy alone, according to the results of a phase III study presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society ...

External Beam Radiation Raises Risk of Hip Fracture in Prostate Cancer 06/07/2010
Men treated with external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer may have an increased risk of hip fracture, according to data presented at the 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association. Radiation therapy is a commonly used treatment for early prostate cancer. External-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) refers to radiation ...

Dogs May Be Able to Smell Prostate Cancer 06/07/2010
Dogs may be able to smell the presence of prostate cancer in patient urine samples, according to data presented at the 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemical compounds that are derived from a number of man-made and biologic sources, including ...

PCA3 a More Specific Test for Prostate Cancer 06/03/2010
For the detection of prostate cancer, a new urine test known as PCA3 produces fewer false-positive test results than the commonly used prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. These results were presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Urological Association. Since the late 1980s, the primary screening tool for early ...

Statin Use May Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence 06/02/2010
It appears that, among men who have undergone radiation therapy for early prostate cancer, use of statins may lower risk of recurrence, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms semen. It is located below ...

Prostate Cancer Treatment May Leave Lasting Impact on Quality of Life 05/18/2010
Prostate cancer treatment may have lasting effects on quality-of-life issues related to sexual function and urinary problems, but it doesn’t seem to strongly impact overall quality of life, according to a study published in the Journal of Urology.1 Depending on the stage and extent of prostate cancer, the disease can be ...

PSA Changes May Provide Limited Information during Active Surveillance for Low-risk Prostate Cancer 05/10/2010
In a study of men with low-risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity and doubling time did not reliably identify cancer progression. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Treatment of early-stage prostate cancer may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or ...

Provenge Approved for Advanced Prostate Cancer 04/30/2010
Provenge® (sipuleucel-T), a type of immunotherapy, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer.[1] Prostate cancer is a hormonally sensitive disease that can be controlled for long periods with androgen-deprivation ...

Weight Gain Increases Risk of Prostate Recurrence 04/27/2010
Weight gain and obesity—especially among inactive men—may increase the risk of prostate cancer recurrence after a prostatectomy, according to the results of a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research on April 20, 2010 in Washington D.C[1] The prostate is ...

Investigational Drug Shows Activity in Advanced Prostate Cancer 04/26/2010
An investigational anti-androgen drug called MDV3100 has shown encouraging anti-tumor activity in patients with progressive, metastatic, hormone-resistant prostate cancer, according to the preliminary results of a study published early online in the Lancet.[1] The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms ...

Prostate Cancer and the Increased Risk of Blood Clots 04/23/2010
Men with prostate cancer are at a higher risk for several types of thromboembolic diseases (blood clots), with men undergoing endocrine therapy having the highest risk, according to the results of a study published in the Lancet Oncology.[1] In general, cancer is considered a risk factor for ...

Most Men with Benign Biopsy Cope Well During Prostate Cancer Testing 04/16/2010
Approximately 80% of men with an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level who had a benign biopsy did not experience significant distress from these diagnostic procedures. These results were recently published in the British Journal of Cancer.[1] Men 50 years of age or older in the United States ...

Avodart Reduces Risk of Biopsy-detected Prostate Cancer 04/07/2010
Avodart® (dutasteride) appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer as detected on biopsy among men at an increased risk of the disease and improves urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), according to a study published in the New England Journal of ...

Targeted Agents plus Chemotherapy Effective for Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 04/07/2010
The combination of Avastin® (bevacizumab), Thalomid® (thalidomide), and Taxotere® (docetaxel) is highly active in hormone-refractory prostate cancer, according to the results of a study published early online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms ...

Preliminary Results Indicate that an Investigational Vaccine May Extend Survival in Hormone-resistant Prostate Cancer 03/31/2010
The investigational vaccine known as PROSTVAC-VF appears to significantly prolong survival in patients with metastatic hormone-resistant prostate cancer, according to the results of a Phase II study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.1 The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that ...

Male Infertility Linked to Prostate Cancer 03/26/2010
Infertile men have an increased risk of developing aggressive, high-grade prostate cancer compared with fertile men, according to the results of a study published in Cancer.[1] The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms semen. It is located below the bladder, in ...

Higher-dose Radiation for Prostate Cancer Does Not Increase Long-term Adverse Effects 03/25/2010
Among men treated with combined photon and proton radiation therapy for early prostate cancer, a higher dose of radiation did not increase the risk of long-term side effects. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Treatment options for early prostate cancer include ...

High-dose Radiation Produces Superior Cancer Control in Localized Prostate Cancer 03/23/2010
High-dose conformal radiation therapy results in better long-term cancer control than conventional-dose radiation therapy for treatment of localized prostate cancer, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.1 Early-stage prostate cancer refers to Stage I or II prostate cancer that ...

Provenge® Prolongs Survival in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer 03/22/2010
The immunotherapy agent Provenge® (sipuleucel-T) significantly prolongs overall survival in men with metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer, according to follow-up data presented at the 2010 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco. The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms semen. ...

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for High-risk Localized Prostate Cancer Is Safe and Effective 03/19/2010
Neoadjuvant treatment with Taxotere® (docetaxel) and Emcyt® (estramustine) for high-risk localized prostate cancer appears to be safe and produces promising responses compared with standard treatment, according to the results of a Phase III randomized study presented at the 2010 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco.[1] Men ...

Addition of Hormone Therapy to Radiation Improves Survival in Intermediate-risk, Early-stage Prostate Cancer 03/09/2010
Short-term hormone therapy delivered before and during moderate-dose radiation therapy improves survival and reduces risk of recurrence compared with radiation alone in men with intermediate-risk, early-stage prostate cancer. The results of this Phase III study were presented at the 2010 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco.

PCA3 Test May Help Guide Prostate Biopsy Decisions 03/08/2010
The PCA3 urine test may help guide decisions about the need for repeat prostate biopsy in men with a negative initial biopsy but elevated PSA. These results were presented at the 2010 ASCO Genitourinary Cancer Symposium. Since the late 1980s, the primary screening tool for early detection ...

Cabazitaxel Shows Promise in Advanced Prostate Cancer 03/05/2010
Among men with metastatic, hormone refractory prostate cancer that has progressed after Taxotere® (docetaxel)-based chemotherapy, the investigational chemotherapy drug cabazitaxel may improve survival. The results of this Phase III clinical trial will be presented at the ASCO 2010 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. Prostate cancer is a hormonally ...

Laparoscopic Surgery and Open Surgery Produce Similar Complication Rates in Prostate Cancer 03/03/2010
Laparoscopic prostatectomy and open radical prostatectomy produce similar outcomes and carry similar rates of postoperative complications, according to the results of a study published in an early online version of the Journal of Urology.1 Radical prostatectomy refers to the surgical removal of the entire prostate and ...

Denosumab More Effective Than Zometa in Prostate Cancer Patients with Bone Metastases 02/10/2010
Among men with bone metastases from prostate cancer, the investigational drug denosumab was more effective than Zometa® (zoledronic acid) at delaying or preventing bone complications such as fracture. Results from this Phase III clinical trial will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting. Metastatic ...

Coffee May Reduce Risk of Lethal and Advanced Prostate Cancer 12/17/2009
Men who drink coffee may have a reduced risk of developing lethal and advanced prostate cancer. These results were presented at the 2009 AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research conference. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (other than skin cancer) in U.S. men. Each year, roughly 192,000 men are diagnosed ...

Minimally Invasive Prostate Surgery May Have Pros and Cons 10/14/2009
Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, a less invasive surgical procedure that has gained in popularity in recent years, appears to result in shorter hospital stays, fewer blood transfusions, and fewer postoperative respiratory complications than open, retropubic radical prostatectomy, but higher rates of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. These results were published in the ...

Addition of Androgen Deprivation Therapy Improves Survival with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 10/08/2009
In men with locally advanced prostate cancer, the addition of androgen deprivation therapy to radiation therapy improves overall and progression-free survival without substantially affecting cardiovascular mortality. These results, based on close to 10 years of follow-up, were presented at a European cancer conference. Among men with locally advanced prostate cancer, several ...

Hormone Therapy in Prostate Cancer Increases Risk of Heart Disease 10/06/2009
Hormone therapy used to treat men with advanced prostate cancer may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, according to the results of a study presented on September 22, 2009 at Europe’s largest cancer congress, ECCO 15-ESMO 34, in Berlin.[1] Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among ...

Obese Men Have Higher-grade and Larger Prostate Cancers 09/21/2009
Obese men with prostate cancer have higher-grade, larger tumors, according to a study published in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases.[1] Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of height and weight utilized to indicate body fat. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg m2 is considered healthy, while a BMI ...

Infection Linked with Aggressive Prostate Cancer 09/16/2009
The sexually transmitted infection Trichomonas vaginalis may increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Trichomonas vaginalis is a single-celled protozoan parasite. It is a common sexually transmitted infection among both men and women. Most men who are infected do ...

Study Explores Overdiagnosis of Prostate Cancer 09/10/2009
For every man who benefits from prostate cancer screening, many more are diagnosed and treated unnecessarily. The extent of this “overdiagnosis” of prostate cancer was explored in a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Each year in the United States, more than 192,000 men are diagnosed with ...

Watchful Waiting Appropriate for Some Men with Prostate Cancer 09/08/2009
Survival among men who choose to delay prostate cancer treatment appears to be similar to survival among men who choose immediate treatment. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Men with early-stage prostate cancer have the option of being treated with radiation therapy, surgery, or no therapy until ...

Androgen-deprivation Therapy Increases Risk of Death in Men with Heart Disease 09/01/2009
Among men with prostate cancer and a history of heart attack or congestive heart failure, receipt of androgen-deprivation therapy prior to radiation therapy increased the risk of death. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Standard therapy for early prostate cancer may include surgery, radiation ...

Clodronate Improves Survival in Metastatic Prostate Cancer 08/25/2009
Clodronate reduces the risk of death by 23% in men with metastatic prostate cancer, according to the results of a study published in The Lancet Oncology.[1] Clodronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are agents used to treat or prevent bone complications, such as fractures and/or hypercalcemia ...

Denosumab Reduces Fractures in Non-metastatic Prostate Cancer 08/11/2009
Men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for non-metastatic prostate cancer experienced a 62% reduction in risk of vertebral fractures when treated with denosumab compared to men treated with placebo, according to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer, or androgen ...

Denosumab Shows Bone Benefits in Two Pivotal Studies 08/11/2009
Denosumab increases bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis as well as men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for non-metastatic prostate cancer, according to the results of two pivotal studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Denosumab is an ...

Long-term Androgen Suppression Is Superior for Prostate Cancer 06/22/2009
Long-term Androgen Suppression Is Superior for Prostate Cancer Short-term androgen suppression produces inferior survival compared with long-term androgen suppression in the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer, according to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.[1] Locally advanced prostate cancer refers to cancer ...

Denosumab Provides Bone Benefits in Prostate and Breast Cancer 06/15/2009
Denosumab Provides Bone Benefits in Prostate and Breast Cancer Among prostate patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy, the investigational drug denosumab increases bone density and reduces the risk of fractures. Denosumab also improves bone density in breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors. These were the results of two studies presented ...

Elevated Sarcosine May Indicate More Aggressive Prostate Cancer 02/25/2009
Tests that measure levels of sarcosine in tissue, blood, or urine may eventually provide information about the presence and aggressiveness of prostate cancer. These results were published in the journal Nature.Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Each year in the United ...

Prostate Cancer May Cause Men to Neglect Other Health Problems 02/09/2009
The majority of men with early-stage, low- to moderate-grade prostate cancer die from other causes, which indicates that they would benefit from ongoing screening and prevention for cardiovascular disease and other health conditions, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.

Exercise May Keep Fatigue at Bay in Men Undergoing Radiation for Prostate Cancer 01/27/2009
Exercise provides at least short-term relief from fatigue for men with prostate cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy—and may result in long-term improvements as well—according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1]Prostate cancer is the second most ...

Neoadjuvant Taxotere® and Iressa® Well Tolerated in Men with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 01/21/2009
According to the results of a Phase II clinical trial, neoadjuvant (before surgery) treatment with Taxotere® (docetaxel) and Iressa® (gefitinib) is well tolerated in men with high-risk locally advanced prostate cancer. This study was published in the journal Cancer.Locally advanced prostate cancer refers to cancer that has spread from ...

Radiation Therapy plus Hormone Therapy Cuts Prostate Cancer Deaths in Half 01/05/2009
The addition of radiation therapy to hormone therapy for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer reduces prostate cancer deaths by 50%, according to the results of a Scandinavian study published in the Lancet.[1]Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly ...

Selenium and Vitamin E Don't Prevent Prostate Cancer 12/16/2008
According to the results of two large randomized studies, selenium and vitamin E supplements do not reduce the risk of prostate cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in U.S. men. In ...

Statins May Reduce PSA Levels 11/12/2008
The use of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins is associated with a decline in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, according to the results of a study published in the November 5, 2008 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.[1]The prostate is a ...

Gene-based Test Available to Detect Prostate Cancer 08/07/2008
A gene-based molecular diagnostic test used to detect prostate cancer has completed the clinical trials process and is ready for commercial use in patients who are at a high risk for the disease. These results were recently released in a press release by Health Discovery Corporation.Prostate cancer is a ...

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Does Not Recommend PSA Screening in Elderly Men 08/05/2008
Members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have concluded that there is still insufficient evidence to recommend PSA screening in men 75 years of age or younger. The details of these recommendations were published in the August 5, 2008 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.The prostate is ...

Radiofrequency Ablation Effective for Primary Lung Tumors and Lung Metastases from Prostate Cancer 08/01/2008
The use of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of lung cancer and lung metastases from breast, colon, and prostate cancers and melanoma is effective and safe for some patients. These results were recently published in the Lancet Oncology.Lung cancer is responsible for more cancer-related deaths than the next three ...

Novel Agent May Be Effective in Blocking Hormones in Prostate Cancer 07/29/2008
The novel agent abiraterone, which is still in early-phase clinical trials, may provide anti-cancer responses in patients whose prostate cancer progressed following androgen deprivation therapy. These results were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Prostate cancer is stimulated to grow from the male hormone testosterone, most of which ...

Denosumab Improves Bone Density in Prostate Cancer Patients 07/14/2008
In a Phase III clinical trial among men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer, treatment with investigational drug denosumab improved bone density and reduced the risk of vertebral fractures.Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer (other than skin cancer) among men in the United States. One common ...

Immediate Hormone Therapy May Not Improve Outcomes in Elderly Men with Prostate Cancer 07/10/2008
Treatment with immediate hormone therapy may not improve outcomes compared with conservative management among elderly men with prostate cancer. These results were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.Early prostate cancer refers to prostate cancer that has not spread from the prostate to distant sites in ...

Finasteride May Prevent Prostate Cancer Without Increased Risk of Aggressive Cancers 06/26/2008
Treatment with finasteride for seven years reduced the incidence of prostate cancer by approximately 25% without increasing the incidence of aggressive prostate cancers. These findings, which included a reanalysis of previously reported results, were published in Cancer Prevention Research. Finasteride (marketed as Proscar, Propecia, Fincar, Finpecia, Finax, Finast, Finara, Finalo, ...

Bone Marker Associated with Survival in Breast, Prostate, and Lung Cancers 06/23/2008
The bone marker N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) is associated with skeletal-related events and survival among patients with cancer that has spread to the bone (bone metastases).  Improved outcomes may be achieved by reducing these markers through treatment with agents such as Zometa® (zoledronic acid). These results were recently ...

Salvage Radiotherapy Improves Prostate Cancer-specific Survival 06/20/2008
Radiation therapy following a recurrence of prostate cancer may reduce deaths specifically caused by the disease. These results were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. Often, men treated with initial therapy will experience a biochemical ...

Fareston® Decreases Spinal Fractures in Men with Prostate Cancer 06/10/2008
Among prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), treatment with Fareston® (toremifene citrate) reduces the risk of new spinal fractures. These results were presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. Men with advanced ...

Updates in the Management of Prostate and Kidney Cancers 05/06/2008
The 2008 annual American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary (ASCO GU) meeting, held in San Francisco, continued the tradition of delivering progressive and thought-provoking data and discussions, with the focus being refinement of optimal care for patients with genitourinary cancers. Results from the meeting focused on prostate cancer, renal ...

Specific Gene Expression Predicts Risk for Prostate Cancer 05/05/2008
Expression of the PTOV1 gene helps predict the likelihood of the development of prostate cancer among men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN). These results were recently published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.HG-PIN refers to a condition in which cells in the prostate appear abnormal under a microscope ...

Changes in Lifestyle May Improve Quality of Life for Prostate Cancer Survivors 05/05/2008
A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society reports that although few cancer survivors follow recommendations for lifestyle changes aimed to improve health and well-being, adhering to these guidelines may improve quality of life among prostate cancer survivors. Full details of the study were recently published in the ...

GVAX® Promising for Recurrent Prostate Cancer 04/21/2008
The immunotherapeutic vaccine GVAX® provides promising activity in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ...

Fluctuation in Weight May Influence Risk for Prostate Cancer 04/09/2008
A large study conducted in Austria reveals that large weight gains or losses may influence an individual's risk for developing certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Complete details of the study were published in the Annals of Oncology.There is no conclusive answer as to why some people will ...

Intermittent Taxotere® Effective in Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 04/08/2008
Intermittent administration of Taxotere® (docetaxel) appears to provide as much benefit, with fewer side effects, than continuous administration of Taxotere among patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. These results were recently presented at the 23rd annual meeting of the European Association of Urology.Prostate cancer is one of the most common ...

Satisfaction with Treatment Outcome Reflects Quality of Life Among Prostate Cancer Survivors 03/28/2008
A recent study indicates that prostate cancer treatment may be associated with changes in quality of life that impact satisfaction with treatment outcomes for both patients and their spouses or partners. These findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.Current treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, ...

Differences in IMRT Radiation Doses May Complicate Study Results in Prostate Cancer 03/18/2008
Differences between the prescribed dose of radiation in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and the dose that's actually delivered in prostate cancer treatment may make comparison studies difficult to interpret. These findings were reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.Radiation therapy is often used in the treatment ...

Internet May Be Useful Tool for Education About Prostate Cancer 03/10/2008
Public health Web sites may not be as useful to men concerned about prostate cancer as educational online presentations about the disease. This recent study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system, which is responsible for producing some of ...

Testosterone Levels Not Associated with Risk of Prostate Cancer 01/30/2008
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, testosterone levels do not appear to be associated with risk of developing prostate cancer.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system, which is responsible for producing some of the fluid that transports sperm ...

A Combination of Genetic Variants Found to be Associated with Prostate Cancer 01/25/2008
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that genetic variants located in five different chromosomal regions have been associated with prostate cancer.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system, which is responsible for producing some of the fluid that transports the sperm ...

Androgen Suppression Improves Outcomes in Some Patients with Early Prostate Cancer 01/23/2008
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, androgen suppression therapy (AST), also referred to as androgen deprivation therapy, in addition to radiation therapy improved survival in some men with early prostate cancer. This improvement was limited to men with high-risk prostate cancer ...

Androgen Deprivation Therapy Prior to Radiation Therapy Improves Outcomes in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 01/10/2008
Compared with radiation therapy alone, a short course of androgen deprivation therapy before radiation therapy improves several outcomes among men with locally advanced prostate cancer. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.Locally advanced prostate cancer refers to cancer that has spread locally outside of the prostate but ...

Treatment “Mismatches” Frequent in Early Prostate Cancer 12/03/2007
According to the results of a study published in the journal Cancer, men with early prostate cancer often receive treatment that doesn't appear to fit with their pretreatment levels of urinary, bowel, or sexual function.Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (cancer confined to the prostate) often must choose among ...

Weight Influences PSA Test Results 11/29/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tend to be lower in obese men than in healthy-weight men because PSA is diluted in the larger blood volume of obese men. The prostate is a gland of ...

Family Intervention Helps Spouses of Prostate Cancer Patients 11/15/2007
According to the results of a study published in the journal Cancer, a family intervention that offered support and information to prostate cancer patients and their spouses provided important benefits, particularly to the spouses.Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. In 2007, ...

Excess Weight Increases Prostate Cancer Mortality 11/14/2007
Among men with locally advanced prostate cancer, being overweight or obese is linked with a higher risk of death from prostate cancer. These results were published in the journal Cancer.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ...

Exercise Reverses Bone Loss Caused by Androgen Deprivation for Prostate Cancer Patients 11/07/2007
According to results presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology (ASTRO), walking can reverse the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on bone loss among men with prostate cancer.Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in ...

Tertiary Grade Influences Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence 10/26/2007
Among prostate cancer patients with a biopsy Gleason score of 7, those with a tertiary grade of 5 are more likely to experience a post-treatment PSA increase (PSA failure) than those without a tertiary grade of 5. These results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.The ...

Addition of Emcyt® Improves Survival in Prostate Cancer 10/19/2007
According to an early online publication in The Lancet, the addition of the chemotherapy agent Emcyt® (estramustine) improves survival of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer.Current treatment options for prostate cancer include watchful waiting, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy is designed to block testosterone from stimulating ...

Abiraterone Shows Promise Against Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 10/17/2007
Abiraterone, an experimental drug that inhibits the production of male hormones such as testosterone by both the testes and the adrenal glands, has shown promise in the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. These results were presented at the Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat.Current treatment options for prostate cancer ...

Diagnosis and Management of Prostate Cancer: Highlights from the 2007 AUA Annual Meeting 10/15/2007
Prostate cancer continues to be a highly prevalent disease, with estimated 218,890 new cases and 27.050 deaths expected in 2007.[i] At the recent American Urological Association (AUA) annual meeting 2007 in Anaheim CA, presenters have addressed many aspects of the disease from early detection ...

Prostate Cancer: Updates from the 2007 ASCO Prostate Cancer Symposium 10/15/2007
Introduction2007 was the third year for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Prostate Cancer Symposium, held February 22-24, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. This meeting is a very informative symposium that gathers an international multidisciplinary group. The meeting is a product of collaboration among three major organizations, ASCO, ...

Radiation Therapy May Not Benefit Prostate Cancer Patients with Negative Margins 10/12/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, men with early prostate cancer who have negative margins following surgery (no signs of cancer on the margins of the tissue that was surgically removed) may not benefit from immediate radiation following surgery.The prostate is a gland ...

Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer Associated with Cardiovascular-related Death 10/10/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes in patients treated for localized prostate cancer.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces ...

Surgery May Be Best Treatment for Early Prostate Cancer in Younger Patients 10/09/2007
According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, surgery appears to improve survival compared with other treatment approaches for early prostate cancer, particularly in young men with more aggressive cancers.Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in men in the United States. Early prostate cancer refers to ...

Study Explores Detection of Prostate Cancer by Prostate Biopsy 09/18/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is found in roughly 32% of prostate biopsies.In 2007, roughly 219,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and over 27,000 will die of the disease.

Interval Cancers Not Increased by Less Frequent Prostate Cancer Screening 09/05/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the frequency of interval prostate cancers—cancers diagnosed on the basis of symptoms in between scheduled screening tests—was similar regardless of whether PSA testing occurred every two years or every four years.Men 50 years ...

Radiation to the Pelvis Reduces Relapses in Prostate Cancer 08/29/2007
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, radiation administered to the whole pelvis (whole-pelvic radiation) extends biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) compared with radiation directed just at the prostate and surrounding tissues among men with early prostate cancer who are at a ...

Higher Doses of GVAX® Promising for Advanced Prostate Cancer Among Patients Who Have Not Received Chemotherapy 08/27/2007
According to results recently published in Clinical Cancer Research, the immunotherapeutic agent GVAX® provides anticancer activity and is generally well tolerated among men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer who have not received prior chemotherapy. Higher doses of GVAX appear to provide improved outcomes compared with lower doses in this patient population.The ...

Better Prostate Cancer Survival Among Asian Men 08/20/2007
According to the results of a study published in the journal Cancer, Asian men (with the exception of South Asian and Vietnamese men) have significantly better prostate cancer survival than White men.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports ...

Study Finds No Link Between Sexually Transmitted Infections and Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer 08/17/2007
According to the results of a study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, men with a history of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, high-risk types of human papillomavirus, or human herpesvirus type 8 do not have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.The prostate is a gland of the ...

Eating More Vegetables May Lower Risk of Advanced Prostate Cancer 08/09/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, high intake of cruciferous vegetables appears to lower the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. ...

GVAX® plus Ipilimumab Promising for Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 08/03/2007
According to results presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the treatment combination consisting of the immunotherapy agent GVAX® plus the agent ipilimumab (MDX-010) provides encouraging anticancer responses and is generally well tolerated in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.The prostate is a ...

Androgen Deprivation Therapy Increases Cardiovascular Risks 07/31/2007
According to an early online publication of Cancer, androgen deprivation therapy increases cardiovascular risks and may impact survival in men with low-risk prostate cancer.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. After skin cancer, prostate cancer ...

Experienced Surgeons Have Improved Prostatectomy Outcomes 07/25/2007
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, patients with prostate cancer who have a prostatectomy performed by a more experienced surgeon tend to have better outcomes.A prostatectomy is a common treatment option for patients with early prostate cancer; the surgical procedure involves ...

Little Evidence That Lycopene Reduces Cancer Risk 07/18/2007
According to a review conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is “no credible evidence” that lycopene reduces the risk of cancers such as prostate cancer, and “very limited evidence” that tomato consumption reduces risk. The review was published in the Journal of the National Cancer ...

Radium-223 Shows Promise Against Bone Metastases in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer 07/13/2007
According to the results of a study published in Lancet Oncology, injection of the radioactive substance radium-223 produced relatively few side effects and improved a measure of bone turnover in men with hormone refractory prostate cancer and bone metastases.Bone is one of the most common locations in the body ...

Taxotere® plus Emcyt® Confirmed Superior to Taxotere Alone for Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer 07/10/2007
According to results recently published in the Annals of Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Taxotere® (docetaxel) plus Emcyt® (estramustine) delays disease progression and modestly improves survival when compared with Taxotere alone in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It ...

Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer in Warfarin Users 06/04/2007
According to the results of a study published in Lancet Oncology, men who had used the blood thinner warfarin for four years were 20% less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who had never used warfarin.Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that is used to prevent blood clots. Although ...

Clinical Trials Evaluating GVAX in Prostate Cancer Now Enrolling Patients 06/01/2007
Two clinical trials evaluating the immunotherapy agent GVAX for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer are currently enrolling patients.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form ...

Provenge® May Improve Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer 05/29/2007
According to results from two clinical trials recently presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Urologic Association (AUA), the immunotherapeutic agent Provenge® (sipuleucel-T) followed by Taxotere® (docetaxel) may improve survival in men with hormone refractory prostate cancer who are not experiencing symptoms.The prostate is a gland of ...

“Excessive” Multivitamin Use Linked with Fatal Prostate Cancer 05/17/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, men who used multivitamins more than seven times per week were almost twice as likely as nonusers of multivitamins to develop fatal prostate cancer.Several studies have reported that higher intake of fruits and ...

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer May Improve Overall Health of Some Men 05/03/2007
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of Urology, men diagnosed with prostate cancer may experience improved health as a result of increased preventive and therapeutic interventions for other medical problems.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the ...

Care at High-volume Hospital Doesn't Eliminate Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer Outcomes 04/30/2007
According to the results of a study presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), African-American men have a higher rate of prostate cancer recurrence than White men even after accounting for two important measures of the care—hospital volume and physician volume.Prostate cancer ...

Provenge® Recommended for Approval for Prostate Cancer 04/24/2007
A panel of advisors to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended the approval of Provenge® (APC8015) for the treatment of metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The FDA tends to follow the panel's recommendations, although it is not obligated to do so.The prostate is a gland of ...

Long-term Aspirin Use Modestly Lowers Cancer Risk 04/24/2007
According to results recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, daily long-term use of adult-strength aspirin appears to modestly lower the overall incidence of cancer; this is particularly evident in colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer.Results from previous studies have indicated that long-term use of anti-inflammatory agents ...

Weekly Oral Fosamax® Prevents Bone Loss in Patients with Prostate Cancer 03/29/2007
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the bisphosphate Fosamax® (alendronate) can prevent and reverse bone loss associated with androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) for prostate cancer.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm ...

Obesity at Diagnosis Results in Poorer Survival Among Prostate Cancer Patients 03/15/2007
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, middle-aged men who are obese at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis have a significantly worse overall survival than those who are not overweight.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid ...

Satraplatin Continues to Demonstrate Potential Benefit in Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 03/02/2007
According to a press release by Pharmion Corporation, the investigative agent satraplatin continues to demonstrate potential benefit for patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer who have stopped responding to prior treatment with chemotherapy, particularly among those who continue treatment with satraplatin for longer periods of time.The prostate is a gland ...

Long-term Results Confirm Taxotere® Improves Survival in Metastatic Prostate Cancer 02/27/2007
According to a press release by Sanofi-Aventis, long-term results indicate that Taxotere® (docetaxel) improves survival in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer.Prostate cancer is second only to non-melanoma skin cancers as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the U.S. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is ...

Red Wine Not Associated with Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer 02/09/2007
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Cancer, consumption of red wine is not associated with an increased or decreased risk of developing prostate cancer.Along with skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among males in the United States. The ...

Radical Prostatectomy May Provide Highest Survival in Early Prostate Cancer 01/24/2007
According to an article recently published in the journal Urology, treatment with a radical prostatectomy appears to provide greater survival than radiation or conservative management of early prostate cancer. However, these results need to be confirmed by a clinical trial that directly compares the different treatment modalities.Patients diagnosed with ...

No Link Between Virus in the Prostate and Risk for Prostate Cancer 01/16/2007
According to an article recently published in the British Journal of Cancer, there does not appear to be an association between the presence of viruses in the prostate and the risk for subsequent prostate cancer among men.Along with skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of ...

Brachytherapy plus External-beam Radiation Therapy Provide Impressive Long-term Results for Early Prostate Cancer 01/09/2007
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, the combination of brachytherapy plus external-beam radiation therapy provides low rates of cancer recurrences at 15 years following treatment for early prostate cancer.Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed ...

Obesity Increases Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer 01/08/2007
According to an article recently published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, men with a higher body mass index (measurement of obesity) have a higher risk of more aggressive or fatal prostate cancer than men with more normal body weight.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. ...

Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer Improves Survival in Elderly Men 12/20/2006
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, treatment of localized prostate cancer with radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy results in better survival than observation in men between the ages of 65 and 80 years.Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (cancer ...

Propecia® and Proscar® Have Similar Effect on PSA Level 12/07/2006
According to the results of a study published in the journal Lancet Oncology, Propecia® (finasteride 1 mg/day) appears to reduce serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to a similar extent as Proscar® (finasteride 5 mg/day). Men 50 years or older in the U.S. are often offered prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing ...

Hormone Therapy for Early Prostate Cancer Provides Effective Long-term Results 12/05/2006
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Urology, hormone therapy for patients with early or locally advanced prostate cancer results in impressive long-term outcomes.The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. After ...

Addition of Provenge® to Taxotere® Improves Outcomes for Advanced Prostate Cancer 11/22/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium, Provenge® plus Taxotere® (docetaxel) improves outcomes compared to Taxotere alone in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. After ...

Rate of PSA Increase Associated with Prostate Cancer Survival 11/17/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the rate of increase of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is associated with survival among men with prostate cancer.The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and rectum and is responsible for ...

PSA Screening Overused in Elderly Men in Poor Health 11/17/2006
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer is overused among elderly men in poor health, a group in whom the risks of screening are likely to outweigh the benefits.The prostate is a gland ...

Potential Benefits as Well as Risks from Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 11/16/2006
Among men who have undergone prostatectomy for locally advanced prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has spread to nearby tissues), post-surgery radiation therapy reduces the likelihood of PSA increase and cancer recurrence but does not appear to significantly affect risk of distant metastases or overall survival. These results were published ...

Firefighters Face Increased Risk of Cancer 11/15/2006
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, firefighters have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.Workers in certain occupations may face an increased risk of cancer due to exposures that they encounter on the job. Exposure to radiation, ...

AZGP1 Levels May Predict Spread of Prostate Cancer 10/19/2006
According to an article recently published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute, levels of the zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein (ACGP1) may help predict the risk of cancer spread among patients with early prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and rectum in males. Treatment options ...

Zometa® Reduces Bone Loss in Prostate Cancer 10/17/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Urology, Zometa® (zoledronic acid) appears to reduce bone loss caused by hormone therapy among patients with prostate cancer that has not spread to distant sites in the body. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It produces ...

Obesity May Influence Interpretation of Prostate Cancer Screening Results 10/11/2006
According to a study published in the journal Cancer, levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are lower in obese men than in normal weight men. The PSA level that arouses a suspicion of prostate cancer may therefore be lower in obese men. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive ...

Combination of Hormone Therapy and Radiation Therapy Improves Progression-free Survival in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 10/09/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the addition of hormone therapy to radiation therapy improves progression-free survival among patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer ...

Cialis® Improves Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer 09/27/2006
According to the results of a study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, Cialis® (tadalafil) effectively treats erectile dysfunction in men treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) refers to the use of a special CT scan and computer ...

Satraplatin Improves Progression-free Survival in Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 09/25/2006
According to an article recently released by Pharmion, their investigative chemotherapy agent satraplatin improves progression-free survival among men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the ...

Androgen Deprivation Therapy May Increase Risk of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease 09/20/2006
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for the treatment of non-metastatic prostate cancer may increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some ...

Good Long-term Results with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer 09/15/2006
According to the results of a study published in The Journal of Urology, use of high-dose intensity modulated radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer results in good long-term cancer control. Localized prostate cancer refers to cancer that is confined to the prostate. Although many men with localized prostate cancer are ...

NSAID Use Linked with Reduced Risk of Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 09/08/2006
According to two studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia as well as prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm ...

Low PSA After Androgen Deprivation Therapy Linked with Improved Survival 08/29/2006
Among men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for metastatic prostate cancer, those who achieve a low PSA level by seven months after the start of treatment experience significantly better survival. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Prostate-specific antigens (PSA) are proteins that are normally shed by the ...

Initial Hormone Therapy plus Radiation Improves Survival with Prostate Cancer Spread to Lymph Nodes 08/25/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Urology, the addition of initial hormone therapy to radiation therapy improves long-term survival compared to radiation therapy and delayed hormone therapy among patients with early prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland ...

PSA and Gleason Score Predict Death from Early Prostate Cancer 08/08/2006
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, the lowest levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) during therapy combined with Gleason score can be used to predict death from prostate cancer among men with early prostate cancer who undergo local treatment. Early prostate cancer refers to cancer that ...

Hemoglobin Decline Linked with Worse Outcomes in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer 08/01/2006
Among men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for newly diagnosed, metastatic prostate cancer, a decline in hemoglobin levels during the first months of treatment is linked with worse survival. These results were published in the journal Cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the ...

Hormone “Holidays” Effective for Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer 07/21/2006
According to results recently published in the journal Cancer, intermittent treatment with hormone therapy may be an acceptable treatment alternative with fewer side effects than standard administration for men with recurrent prostate cancer who have received radiation therapy. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces ...

Long-term Results After Prostatectomy Show High Survival Among Men with Early Prostate Cancer 07/19/2006
According to results recently published in the Journal of Urology, death from prostate cancer at 25 years after therapy is low following a radical prostatectomy for patients with early prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm ...

Pomegranate Juice May Slow Progression of Prostate Cancer 07/11/2006
According to results recently published in Clinical Cancer Research, pomegranate juice may significantly slow the progression of early prostate cancer. However, further study is necessary to confirm these findings and determine potential effects on survival. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid ...

Provenge® Shows Survival Benefits in Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer 07/06/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, treatment with Provenge® (sipuleucel-T) improves survival with few side effects in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. ...

Obesity Increases Risk of Cancer Recurrence Following Radiation for Prostate Cancer 07/03/2006
According to an early online publication in the journal Cancer, men with prostate cancer who are obese have approximately twice the risk of experiencing a cancer recurrence following radiation therapy than those who are not obese. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of ...

Addition of External Beam Radiation Therapy to Low-dose Rate Brachytherapy May Improve Prostate Cancer Outcomes 06/29/2006
Among men receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer, the addition of external beam radiation therapy to low-dose rate brachytherapy reduced the likelihood of rise in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after treatment compared to use of low-dose rate brachytherapy alone. These results were published in the journal Urology. Prostate cancer ...

Urologists Play Large Role in Determining Which Patients Receive Androgen Deprivation Therapy 06/23/2006
The decision about whether a patient will receive androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer is driven more by the particular urologist a patient sees than by characteristics of the tumor or the patient. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The prostate is a gland ...

GVAX® Treatment Combination Highly Effective in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 06/04/2006
The treatment combination consisting of the immunotherapy agent GVAX® plus the agent ipilimumab (MDX-010) provides encouraging anticancer responses and is well-tolerated in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. These results were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The prostate is a gland of ...

Zometa® Reduces Bone Pain in Prostate Cancer 06/01/2006
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Oncology, the bisphosphonate Zometa® (zoledronic acid) appears to reduce bone pain associated with cancer spread to the bone in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and produces fluid that transports sperm ...

Older Prostate Cancer Patients May Not Benefit from Aggressive Treatment 05/31/2006
According to the results of a study published in The American Journal of Medicine, aggressive treatment of prostate cancer in men aged 75 or older was linked with worse quality of life and only a small survival benefit. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces ...

EPCA plus PSA Highly Accurate in Detecting Prostate Cancer 05/30/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Urologic Association (AUA), the new prostate cancer marker, EPCA, in addition to the standard prostate cancer marker, PSA, is highly accurate in detecting prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces ...

EPCA-2: More Accurate than PSA for Identifying Prostate Cancer 05/26/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Urologic Association (AUA), the new prostate cancer marker, EPCA-2 appears to provide more accuracy in identifying early prostate cancers than the standard prostate cancer marker, PSA. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that ...

High Cholesterol Levels May Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer 05/22/2006
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Oncology, men with high cholesterol levels have an increased incidence of prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. One in six men in the ...

Radiation Following Surgery Reduces Recurrence in Early Prostate Cancer 05/12/2006
According to results recently presented at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), radiation following surgery reduces cancer recurrences in men with early prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports ...

Genetic Marker Linked to Increased Prostate Cancer Risk 05/09/2006
According to a study published in the journal Nature Genetics, researchers have identified a genetic variant that appears to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. In the U.S. ...

Quality of Life Among Men with Prostate Cancer Treated with Radiation and Androgen Deprivation Therapy Following Surgery 05/09/2006
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, long-term quality of life is not severely compromised among men with prostate cancer who are treated with radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy following surgery. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive ...

High-Volume Hospitals Offer Better Outcomes After Radical Cystectomy and Radical Prostatectomy 05/08/2006
Among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (removal of bladder) or radical prostatectomy (removal of prostate), the probability of dying during hospitalization was lower at hospitals that performed a greater number of these specific procedures (high-volume hospitals). Hospital volume was not linked with in-hospital mortality after radical nephrectomy (removal of kidney). ...

Radical Prostatectomy Tolerated Well by Older Men 05/05/2006
A study of prostate cancer patients over the age of 65 found that men who underwent radical prostatectomy reported generally good quality of life after treatment. These results were published in the journal BJU International.  The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the ...

Higher Radiation Dose Reduces Cancer Progression in Prostate Cancer 05/04/2006
According to an article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, higher radiation doses reduce the rate of cancer progression at five years among men with early prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. ...

Young Men Treated with Radical Prostatectomy Have Good Treatment Outcomes 05/03/2006
Among men under the age of 60, treatment of localized prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy alone resulted in prolonged cancer-free survival for a majority of men. These results were published in the journal Urology. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid ...

Hormonal Therapy for Prostate Cancer Decreases Insulin Sensitivity 05/01/2006
Among men with locally advanced or recurrent prostate cancer, short-term treatment with Lupron Depot® (leuprolide) and Casodex® (bicalutamide) increased body fat and decreased insulin sensitivity. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some ...

PSA Rise During Neoadjuvant Hormone Therapy Associated with Poorer Survival in Prostate Cancer 04/28/2006
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, men with prostate cancer whose prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels rise during hormone therapy given prior to radiation therapy have poorer survival than those whose PSA levels do not rise during this period. The ...

Several Factors Influence Probability of Cancer Among Men Undergoing Prostate Biopsy 04/27/2006
Among men undergoing prostate biopsy, the probability of having prostate cancer varied by serum level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), family history of prostate cancer, digital rectal exam result, and results of previous prostate biopsies. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The prostate is a ...

Timing of Androgen Deprivation Therapy Should Be Individualized Among Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Patients 04/20/2006
According to an article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the timing of initiation of androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer should be individualized, with each patient weighing individual side effects against outcomes. Besides skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in ...

Rate of PSA Increase Following Therapy Predictive of Survival in Prostate Cancer 04/10/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Urology, the rate that it takes for PSA levels to double following therapy is associated with survival outcomes in men with early prostate cancer. In 2005 the American Cancer Society estimated that 232,000 men in the U.S. would be diagnosed ...

Complexed PSA Test May Reduce Unnecessary Biopsies 04/03/2006
Researchers in Germany used a new statistical technique to compare the performance of two prostate cancer screening tests—the traditional test for total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) and a test for a specific form of PSA known as complexed PSA (cPSA). The cPSA test outperformed the tPSA test. These results were ...

Over 90% of Prostate Cancers Detected Through PSA Screening Considered Clinically Significant 03/27/2006
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Urology, over 90% of prostate cancers detected through prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening are considered to be “clinically significant” cancers. In 2005 the American Cancer Society estimated that 232,000 men in the U.S. would be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and ...

Taxol® and Paraplatin® Superior to Novantrone® for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 03/10/2006
According to an article recently published in the journal Urology, treatment consisting of Taxol® (paclitaxel) and Paraplatin® (carboplatin) provides superior outcomes compared to Novantrone® (mitroxantrone) in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports ...

Surgeon Experience Affects Outcomes Following Prostatectomy 03/06/2006
According to results recently presented at the 2006 American Society of Clinical Oncology Prostate Symposium, patients with prostate cancer have improved results when their prostatectomy is performed by surgeons who have performed a larger number of prostatectomies compared to surgeons who have performed fewer such procedures. The prostate is a ...

“Androgen Deprivation Syndrome” May Be Due to Factors Other than Androgen Deprivation 03/02/2006
Although men who receive androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer are more likely than other men to be diagnosed with depression, memory problems, or fatigue, this may be the result of differences in age, cancer stage, and the presence of other serious health problems rather than androgen deprivation by ...

Delaying Surgery May Not Compromise Outcomes in Men with Small, Slow-Growing Prostate Cancer 03/01/2006
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, delaying the surgical removal of the prostate among men with small, slow-growing prostate cancers may not compromise outcomes. However, it is important for men with early prostate cancer to discuss their individual risks and benefits ...

Treatment “Holidays” Effective in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 03/01/2006
According to results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Prostate Cancer Symposium, a treatment strategy involving cessation of chemotherapy until disease progression achieves cancer control in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid ...

GVAX® Immunotherapy Promising for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 02/28/2006
According to results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Prostate Cancer Symposium, the immunotherapy agent GVAX® appears promising in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. After skin ...

Early Intervention Improves Survival Compared with Watchful Waiting in Early Prostate Cancer 02/28/2006
According to results recently presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) prostate symposium, early treatment with radiation therapy or surgery results in improved long-term outcomes compared to a watchful waiting approach for early prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some ...

Brachytherapy as Effective as External-Beam Radiation Therapy for Early Prostate Cancer 02/28/2006
According to results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Prostate Cancer Symposium, high-dose brachytherapy appears similarly effective to high-dose external-beam radiation therapy in the treatment of early prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is second only to non-melanoma skin cancers as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the ...

Taxotere® and Novantrone® Sequence Evaluated as Initial Chemotherapy for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 02/22/2006
According to results recently published in the journal Cancer, initial chemotherapy treatment with the agent Taxotere® (docetaxel) followed by Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) appears more favorable than treatment with initial Novantrone followed by Taxotere in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). Prostate cancer is second only to non-melanoma skin cancers as the ...

New Formulation of Leuprolide Administered Every Six Months 02/21/2006
An experimental formulation of leuprolide, administered by injection every six months, safely and effectively reduced serum testosterone levels in men with prostate cancer. These results were published in the Journal of Urology. Testosterone is a male hormone produced mainly by the testicles. Many organs in the body are composed of ...

No Clear Role for Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, or Vitamin C in the Prevention of Prostate Cancer 02/15/2006
Overall, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no evidence that higher intake of vitamin E, beta-carotene, or vitamin C reduced the risk of prostate cancer. It's possible, however, that these nutrients may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in certain subgroups of men. Diet ...

Androgen Deprivation Therapy Increases Risk of Insulin Resistance and Hyperglycemia 01/24/2006
According to a study published in the journal Cancer, prostate cancer patients treated with long-term androgen deprivation therapy have an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), potentially increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces ...

Further Data Linking Anti-Androgen Therapy and Fractures in Prostate Cancer 01/17/2006
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Urology, further data shows an increased risk of fractures in men with prostate cancer who are undergoing hormone therapy. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. ...

Study Finds No Link Between PSA Testing and Survival 01/16/2006
A study conducted at Veterans Affairs medical centers in New England suggests that prostate cancer screening using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal exam has no effect on survival. These results were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. In 2005 the American Cancer Society estimated that 232,000 ...

Prostate Cancer Detected in 21% of Men with PSA Between 2.0 and 3.9 ng/mL 01/04/2006
In a population of men undergoing prostate cancer screening in Austria, prostate cancer was detected in 21% of men with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level between 2.0 and 3.9 ng/mL and 30% of men with PSA between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL. In men with PSA levels between 2.0 and ...

Intermittent Androgen Ablation Appears Safe and Effective 12/16/2005
Among men who experience an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer, intermittent androgen ablation appears to be safe and effective and also limits side-effects and costs. These results were published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. The prostate is a gland ...

High Intake of Dairy Products and Calcium Linked with Modest Increase in Prostate Cancer Risk 12/08/2005
In a combined analysis of 10 published studies, men with the highest intake of dairy products and calcium were more likely to develop prostate cancer than men with the lowest intakes. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The prostate is a gland of the ...

Obesity Increases Probability of Recurrence After Prostatectomy 12/07/2005
Men with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or higher have a roughly 69% greater risk of prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy than normal-weight men, according to a study published in Urology. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the ...

Further Evidence that Zometa® Reduces Bone Loss in Prostate Cancer Patients 12/06/2005
According to a recent article published in Urology, further evidence indicates that treatment with Zometa (zoledronic acid) for one year prevents bone loss in patients with advanced prostate cancer who are undergoing hormone therapy. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid ...

Anesthetic Cream Reduces Pain During Prostate Biopsy 12/05/2005
Use of an anesthetic cream before transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided needle biopsy of the prostate significantly reduces a patient's level of pain during the procedure, according to a study published in the British Journal of Urology. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the ...

Androgen Deprivation Before and During Radiation Improves Outcomes in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 11/22/2005
According to a recent article published in the Lancet Oncology, six months of androgen deprivation therapy given before and during radiation therapy improves cancer-free survival and reduces the risk of cancer progression in men with locally advanced prostate cancer. However, it is important for individuals to speak with their ...

Rate of PSA Increase an Important Predictor for Outcomes in Prostate Cancer 11/11/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Urology, the length of time it takes for levels of prostate-specific antigen levels to rise following a prostatectomy may be an important predictor of outcomes in patients with early prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive ...

Zometa® Reduces Bone Loss from Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer 11/08/2005
Zometa® (zoledronic acid) reduces bone loss and promotes bone recovery among prostate cancer patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy, according to results presented at the 2005 annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium in New York. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that ...

Radiation Following Surgery Reduces Recurrences in Early Prostate Cancer 10/25/2005
According to results recently presented at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), radiation following surgery reduces cancer recurrences in men with early prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports ...

Other Medical Conditions Affect Complications from Prostatectomy 10/24/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, complications or death following a prostatectomy are greatly influenced by existing medical conditions (co-morbidities) other than prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports ...

Annual PSA Testing Reduces Risk of Death from Prostate Cancer 10/20/2005
According to results recently presented at the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), men who undergo yearly prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing have a significantly reduced risk of death from prostate cancer compared with men who do not undergo regular screening. The prostate is a gland of the male ...

Treatment of Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer with Quadramet® and Taxotere® 10/12/2005
According to a press release from the Cytogen Corporation, treatment of advanced, hormone refractory prostate cancer with the chemotherapy drug Taxotere® (docetaxel) and Quadramet® (samarium sm-153 lexidronam)—an  injection that delivers radiation to bone metastases—reduces prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels.   The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive ...

Obesity Associated with Cancer Progression Following Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer 10/12/2005
According to a recent article published in Clinical Cancer Research, men with early prostate cancer who are obese have a greater risk of cancer progression following a prostatectomy than men who are not obese. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that is responsible for producing some ...

Long-Term Androgen Deprivation Associated with Improved Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients with High PSA Levels 10/12/2005
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, long-term androgen deprivation therapy improves overall survival at 5 years when compared with short-term androgen deprivation following radiation therapy in patients with prostate cancer who have a prostate-specific antigen level of 20 or ...

Vaccine Slows PSA Increase in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer 10/03/2005
Results from a study of 19 men with hormone refractory prostate cancer indicate that an experimental cancer vaccine produces an immune response, appears to be safe, and may slow the rate of increase of prostate specific antigen (PSA). These findings were published in the British Journal of Cancer. The prostate ...

Antibody Test May Offer Alternative to PSA Test 09/22/2005
A blood test that detects antibodies against prostate cancer cells more accurately identified prostate cancer than the test for prostate specific antigen (PSA), according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine . The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of ...

High-Dose Radiation Reduces Risk of Recurrence in Early Prostate Cancer 09/16/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), high doses of radiation therapy reduce the risk of a cancer recurrence more effectively than conventional doses in early prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of ...

Baseline PSA Level May Guide Timing of Next PSA Test 09/15/2005
Men who choose to be screened for prostate cancer using the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test may not need to be tested every year if their baseline PSA level is low, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The prostate is a gland of the male ...

Lifestyle Changes May Slow Prostate Cancer Progression 09/15/2005
According to a study published in The Journal of Urology, progression of early, low-grade prostate cancer may be slowed if men make healthful changes to their diet, physical activity level, and stress management techniques. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid ...

Radiation Therapy May Be Sufficient for Post-Surgery PSA Increase 09/13/2005
According to a study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, some prostate cancer patients who experience a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) increase after radical prostatectomy will have good outcomes after additional treatment with radiation alone. Others may benefit from a combination of radiation and hormonal therapies. The ...

Collagen Injections May Improve Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy 09/13/2005
Men who have problems with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy may benefit from collagen injections to the tissue around the urethra, according to a study in The Journal of Urology. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that transports sperm during ...

Shift in Prostate Cancer Gleason Scores Over Last Decade 09/07/2005
According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancers today receive a higher Gleason score than the same cancers would have a decade ago; this shift in grade may explain some of the apparent improvement in prostate cancer survival. The prostate is a gland of ...

Positive Surgical Margins Raise Chance of Prostate Cancer Recurrence 09/07/2005
After radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, men who have positive surgical margins (evidence that surgery may not have entirely removed the cancer) are more likely to have a prostate cancer recurrence than men who do not have positive surgical margins, according to a study published in The Journal of ...

PSA Testing May Reduce Risk of Metastatic Prostate Cancer 09/02/2005
According to a study published in The Journal of Urology, screening men for levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) appears to reduce the probability of metastatic prostate cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the prostate). Prostate cancer is common among men. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located ...

Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer Associated with Good Quality of Life 08/29/2005
According to results recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, men who are treated with brachytherapy for early-stage prostate cancer experience a good quality of life following treatment. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that is responsible for producing some of the ...

Prostate Cancer Risk and Testosterone Supplements 08/22/2005
Men who take testosterone supplements should be screened regularly for prostate cancer, according to a report published in The Journal of Urology. Testosterone is a male hormone produced mainly by the testes. Since it is known to stimulate the growth of some prostate cancers, effective treatments for prostate cancer include suppression ...

Higher Body Mass Index Associated With Worse Prognosis in Prostate Cancer 08/16/2005
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Urology, patients with early prostate cancer and a higher body mass index (BMI) have a greater risk of cancer progression following a radical prostatectomy than patients with a lower BMI. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that ...

Predicting a Transition from Normal to High PSA 08/16/2005
Men who have prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the low range of normal are much less likely than men who have PSA values in the high range of normal to develop high PSA levels over the course of four years, according to a study published in The Journal of ...

Prostatectomy and Radiation More Effective for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 08/15/2005
Among men with prostate cancer that has extended beyond the outer covering of the prostate, those who receive radiation therapy immediately after their prostatectomy survive longer without a worsening of their cancer than those who are treated with prostatectomy alone, according to a study published in The Lancet. The prostate ...

Nursing Intervention Improves Quality of Life for Men with Prostate Cancer 08/11/2005
Standardized assessments by nurses of patients' concerns after prostate cancer treatment improve some aspects of patient quality of life, according to a study published in the journal Cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that produces some of the fluid that transports the sperm during ejaculation. ...

Statins May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk 08/10/2005
Men who have used statin drugs to reduce their cholesterol levels may be less likely to develop prostate cancer, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemology. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that produces fluid that transports the sperm during ejaculation. In ...

Vaccinia-Based Vaccine Shows Promise for Treating Prostate Cancer 08/08/2005
Researchers from National Cancer Institute have reported progress in the development of a recombinant vaccinia-based vaccine for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer in combination with radiation therapy or anti-androgen therapy.[i][ii] The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system, which ...

More Patients, Better Outcomes After Surgery for Urological Cancer 08/01/2005
Patients have better outcomes after surgery for urological cancers (such as prostate or bladder cancer) if they are treated at hospitals or by surgeons who treat a larger number of urological cancer patients, according to an article in The Journal of Urology. The relationship between ...

Factors Identified that Increase Risk of Death from Early Prostate Cancer 07/27/2005
According to two recent articles published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, factors associated with an increased risk of death from prostate cancer have been identified. Patients with factors that place them at a higher risk of a cancer recurrence or death may wish to proceed with ...

Further Evidence that Provenge® Improves Survival in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 07/22/2005
According to a pooled analysis of results from two large clinical trials, the immunotherapy agent Provenge® (D9902A) improves survival in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that produces some of the fluid that transports the sperm during male ejaculation.

New Targeted Therapy Shows Promise for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer 07/20/2005
The Journal of Clinical Oncology has recently published an article indicating that a new prostate cancer therapy has shown promise in early clinical trials. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that produces some of the fluid that transports the sperm during male ejaculation. In prostate cancer, ...

Risk Factors May Predict the Development of Prostate Cancer 07/19/2005
The Journal of Urology has published an article suggesting that prostate biopsies may need to be repeated more frequently for men found to be at high risk for developing prostate cancer because of a prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels between 2.6 and 4.0 ng/ml. The prostate is a gland of ...

EPCA: A New Biomarker for Earlier Detection of Prostate Cancer 07/15/2005
The Journal of Urology has recently published a study that describes a new prostate cancer marker that may make prostate cancer easier to identify in an early stage. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system and produces some of the fluid that transports the sperm during male ejaculation. ...

No Definitive PSA Cutoff for Prostate Biopsies 07/11/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), there is no defined prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level that provides both acceptable sensitivity and specificity in the detection of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland ...

Some Prostate Cancer Patients Eligible to Receive Xinlay™ Through Expanded Access Program 06/27/2005
The product Xinlay™ (atrasentan), which is not yet FDA-approved, is available to some patients with advanced prostate cancer through an expanded access program.  Xinlay is a promising agent that has shown an ability to delay time to disease progression and decrease the frequency of bone pain in patients with ...

New Hope For Bone Pain Caused by Metastatic Prostate Cancer 06/15/2005
A recent article in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management reports that the combination of chemotherapy and the drug Strontium-89 significantly reduces the pain associated with bone metastasis of prostate cancer. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and produces fluid that transports the sperm during ...

Xinlay Delays Cancer Progression and Bone Pain in Metastatic Prostate Cancer 06/08/2005
According to results recently presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, an new drug called Xinlay (atrasentan) that is not yet FDA approved delays cancer progression and bone pain in patients diagnosed with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Xinlay represents a novel therapeutic approach to ...

Radical Prostatectomy Versus Watchful Waiting in Early Prostate Cancer 06/01/2005
A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that radical prostatectomy reduces the risks of metastasis (cancer spread) and disease progression among men diagnosed with early prostate cancer, when compared to the approach of watchful waiting. However, some men with early prostate cancer may be at ...

Provenge® Improves Survival in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer 05/23/2005
According to the results of a study recently presented at the 2005 American Society of Clinical Oncology, the vaccine Provenge® improves survival in asymptomatic hormone resistant prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that is responsible for producing some of the fluid that transports the ...

Surgery May Provide Benefit Following Radiation in Patients with Recurring Prostate Cancer 05/12/2005
According to results published in the Journal of Urology, surgery to remove the prostate may provide benefit in terms of progression-free survival in patients with prostate cancer that returns within the prostate following treatment with radiation therapy. Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the ...

Radiation for Prostate Cancer Increases Risk of Developing Rectal Cancer 04/14/2005
According to a recent article published in Gastroenterology, patients treated with radiation for prostate cancer have a significantly higher risk of developing rectal cancer than patients who undergo surgery for treatment of their prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. ...

Cryosurgery May Be Effective for High-Risk Early Prostate Cancer 04/06/2005
According to results recently published in the journal Cancer, cryosurgery may be an effective treatment option for patients with high-risk, early prostate cancer who are unwilling to undergo surgery or radiation therapy. Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. The prostate is ...

Hormone Therapy Following Radiation Improves Survival in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 04/05/2005
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Radiation, Oncology, Biology, and Physics, the addition of the hormone therapy agent goserelin (Zoladex®) following radiation therapy improves survival in men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and ...

FDA Agrees to File NDA for Xinlay™ in the Treatment of Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 02/25/2005
Abbott Laboratories announced on Friday, February 11, 2005 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to file the New Drug Application (NDA) for its Selective Endothelin A Receptor Antagonist (SERA™), Xinlay™ (atrasentan) for the treatment of metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer. This decision indicates the NDA is ...

Modified Taxotere® Regimen Effective for Advanced Prostate Cancer 02/25/2005
Researchers from Greece have reported that the treatment combination consisting of Taxotere® (docetaxel), estramustine (Emcyt®) and Zometa® (zoledronic acid) is an effective and safe therapeutic regimen  for men with advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The details of this report appeared in the January 2005 issue of Urology .

New Vaccine May Be Effective in Advanced Prostate Cancer 02/22/2005
The Dendreon Corportation announced that a dendritic cell vaccine, Provenge®, was associated with a median survival benefit of 4.5 months in a phase 3 study in advanced prostate cancer.[1] This study will be presented later this month at the 2005 Multidisciplinary Prostate Cancer Symposium in ...

Prostatectomy Effective for Progressive Prostate Cancer Following Radiation 02/17/2005
According to results recently published in the Journal of Urology, a prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) provides effective results in patients with prostate cancer whose disease is progressing following treatment with radiation therapy. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. It ...

Topical Paste Reduces Pain Associated with Prostate Biopsy 02/16/2005
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Urology, a topical paste that can be applied 30 minutes prior to biopsy reduces pain associated with prostate biopsies. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. It is responsible for forming a component ...

New Drug Irofulven is Active against Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 02/14/2005
According to the results of a recent phase 2 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology, the new compound Irofulven produces responses in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate is responsible ...

Men with Prostate Cancer on Androgen Deprivation Therapy Not Being Adequately Screened for Bone Loss 01/28/2005
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, men with prostate cancer who are receiving androgen deprivation therapy are not being adequately evaluated or treated for bone loss. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. The prostate is a ...

Androgen Deprivation Therapy Increases Risk of Bone Fracture in Prostate Cancer Patients 01/26/2005
According to results recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, treatment with androgen deprivation therapy increases the risk of bone fractures in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. The prostate is a walnut-sized ...

New Biological Therapy (Atrasentan) Delays Disease Progression in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer 01/10/2005
Researchers from the U.S., Canada, Belgium, and the UK have reported that atrasentan (Xinlay™), a novel biological therapy, slowed progression of prostate cancer, including progression to the bones, and produced a small improvement in quality of life. These results were reported at the 40th annual meeting of the American ...

Taxotere®-Based Regimens Improve Survival in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer 10/20/2004
According to results from two clinical trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Taxotere® (docetaxel)-based chemotherapy regimens improve survival in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Taxotere® in combination with prednisone was recently approved for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer ...

Higher Dose of Conformal Radiation Provides an Advantage for Patients with Early Stage Prostate Cancer 10/11/2004
Preliminary results of a U.S. trial indicate that increasing the dose of conformal radiation therapy produces fewer relapses in men with early stage prostate cancer than conventional dose. This advantage was achieved without any increase in either acute or long-term urinary or rectal morbidity (damage).[1] ...

Shorter Duration of Neoadjuvant Androgen Suppression Appears Equivalent to Longer Duration in Early Prostate Cancer 09/21/2004
According to results recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, 3 months of androgen suppression prior to radiation therapy appears to be just as effective as an 8-month course in patients with localized prostate cancer. However, longer follow-up may reveal differences between the two treatment ...

Y-J591 May Be Effective for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 08/30/2004
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology, a compound referred to as Y-J591 may provide a treatment option for patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Y-J591 is currently in the early stages of clinical trials. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in ...

Hormone Therapy Plus Radiation Improves Survival in Early Prostate Cancer 08/26/2004
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, hormone therapy used prior to radiation therapy, during radiation therapy, and following radiation therapy improves survival in patients with early prostate cancer compared to radiation therapy alone.1 Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed ...

Long-Term Hormone Therapy Increases Risk of Bone Fractures in Prostate Cancer 08/12/2004
According to results presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), hormone therapy, also referred to as androgen deprivation therapy, increases the risk of bone fractures in men with prostate cancer that has not spread to distant sites in the body. Prostate cancer is ...

Ixabepilone has Activity in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 08/06/2004
According to a results recently presented at the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the novel chemotherapy agent ixabepilone (BMS-247550) produces anti-cancer responses in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. The prostate ...

Initial Treatment with Surgery Confers Survival Benefit over Initial Radiation in Patients with Recurrent Prostate Cancer 07/27/2004
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Urology, men with recurrent prostate cancer appear to have improved survival if their initial treatment was surgery, compared to those whose initial treatment was radiation. Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men in the United ...

Rate of PSA Rise Prior to Diagnosis Predicts Risk of Death in Patients with Prostate Cancer 07/09/2004
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, men whose PSA increases at a rapid rate in the year prior to diagnosis of prostate cancer have an increased risk of death following a prostatectomy. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in ...

Taxotere®-Based Regimens Improve Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer 06/09/2004
According to results from two trials presented at the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Taxotere® (docetaxel)- based chemotherapy regimens improve survival compared to standard therapy in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Prostate cancer ...

Taxotere(R) Approved for Prostate Cancer 05/28/2004
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Taxotere® (docetaxel) in addition to prednisone for the treatment of hormone-independent prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between ...

Selenium May Decrease Risk of Prostate Cancer 05/28/2004
According to a recent article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, higher levels of dietary selenium may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and rectum, and is responsible for forming a component of ...

NCCN Changes Guidelines for Prostate Screening 05/28/2004
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has recently changed its recommended guidelines regarding PSA testing in the screening of prostate cancer. The NCCN consists of a panel from the nation's most reputable cancer treatment facilities. The panel sets clinical guidelines that are continually refined and include algorithms ...

Radiation Therapy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer May Improve Survival in Some Men 05/27/2004
According to results recently presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Urological Association, radiation therapy for a cancer recurrence following surgery may improve long-term survival in some men. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. It is ...

PSA Doubling Time Indicative of Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients 05/27/2004
According to results recently presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Urological Association, the time it takes for a patient's PSA level to double is a factor in predicting survival following surgery in patients with localized prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer ...

Spinal Anesthesia May Provide Advantages Over General Anesthesia for Prostate Surgery 05/27/2004
According to results presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Urological Association, spinal anesthesia is a reliable practice and may confer some advantages over general anesthesia in patients undergoing a prostatectomy. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. ...

Chemotherapy Plus Hormonal Therapy Together Does Not Improve Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer 05/27/2004
According to results presented at the 99th annual meeting of the American Urological Association, treatment consisting of chemotherapy plus hormone therapy together does not improve survival compared to hormone therapy followed by chemotherapy in advanced prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in ...

Higher Testosterone Levels May Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer 05/27/2004
According to results presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Urological Association, increased testosterone levels in men increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States, with approximately 223,000 cases diagnosed annually. The prostate ...

Frequent Sexual Activity Does Not Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, frequent sexual activity does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. In fact, it appears that an increase in sexual activity may provide a protective benefit against developing prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized ...

New Marker Could Detect Prostate Cancer Earlier 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Urology, a protein referred to as EPCA could provide earlier detection for prostate cancer than the current standard PSA (prostate specific antigen) testing. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and rectum in males. It ...

Recurrence Rate Similar Between Common Treatments for Early Prostate Cancer 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in Radiotherapy and Oncology, cancer recurrence rates, as determined by prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, are nearly equivalent between patients treated with a radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation and interstitial radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male gland that ...

Radiation Effective For Cancer Recurrences Following Surgery in Prostate Cancer 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, radiation therapy is effective for treating cancer recurrences following a prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate is responsible ...

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Does Not Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer 02/04/2004
According to results recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine, testosterone replacement therapy for the treatment of hypogonadism does not appear to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Hypogonadism, which is thought to occur in 2-4 million men in the United States, is a condition ...

Plenaxis™ Approved for Advanced Prostate Cancer 12/01/2003
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the agent Plenaxis™ (abarelix) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate is responsible for secreting a substance that forms a component ...

Long-Term Hormonal Therapy in Addition to Radiation Beneficial for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 11/12/2003
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, long-term hormone therapy following radiation therapy appears beneficial in the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer, particularly those considered to be high risk. One out of every 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the ...

Provenge® May Improve Survival in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 11/12/2003
According to preliminary results presented at the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s 10th Annual Scientific Retreat, the vaccine Provenge® (APC8015) may improve survival for patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate is responsible for ...

Further Evidence Indicating Hormone Therapy Beneficial in Early Prostate Cancer 10/31/2003
According to results presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology, further evidence indicates that the addition of immediate hormone therapy to standard therapy appears to improve progression-free survival in patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. 1 One out ...

Statins May Improve Responses to Radiation Therapy in Localized Prostate Cancer 10/29/2003
According to results presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology, statins, which are agents used to lower lipid levels, may improve responses to radiation therapy in patients with localized prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths ...

Intermittent Androgen Suppression Feasible in Men with Prostate Cancer who Fail Radiation Therapy 10/29/2003
According to results presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, intermittent hormone therapy appears to be a feasible treatment option for patients with prostate cancer that has recurred following radiation therapy. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths ...

Higher Overall Dose of Radiation May be Beneficial for Localized Prostate Cancer 10/28/2003
According to results presented at the plenary session of the 45th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology, a higher overall dose of radiation given over 6.5 weeks may be more beneficial than a lower radiation dose given over 4 weeks for treatment of ...

High-Dose Radiation Superior to Conventional Doses in Men under 60 with Prostate Cancer 10/17/2003
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Urology, higher doses of radiation therapy appear to improve survival compared to conventional doses in men under 60 years with localized prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. ...

Addition of Thalomid® to Chemotherapy Promising in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 10/16/2003
According to results presented at the 2003 European Conference on Clinical Oncology (ECCO), the addition of Thalomid® to combination chemotherapy appears promising in the treatment of advanced, hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in ...

New PSA Test Increases Accuracy in the Detection of Prostate Cancer 10/15/2003
According to an article published in The Journal of Urology, using complex prostate specific antigen (cPSA) levels instead of the standard total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) levels could reduce the rate of unnecessary biopsies in the detection of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer ...

Cialis Improves Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Surgery for Prostate Cancer 10/15/2003
According to results presented at the annual meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society, the agent Cialis (tadalafil) improves erectile dysfunction in patients who have undergone a surgical procedure for prostate cancer. It is estimated that approximately 220,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States in ...

Taxotere® Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 10/15/2003
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, the chemotherapy agent Taxotere® (docetaxel) administered weekly appears to improve the quality of life for patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The ...

Taxotere® and Genasense™ Active in Refractory Prostate Cancer 09/05/2003
According to results recently presented at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the treatment combination of Taxotere® and Genasense" appears to produce anti-cancer activity in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder ...

Lower PSA Levels Detect Higher Number of Prostate Cancers 08/21/2003
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, lowering PSA levels for which biopsies are recommended may improve the detection rate for prostate cancer, particularly in younger men, without significantly increasing the number of unnecessary biopsies. Prostate cancer is a common cancer ...

Neoadjuvant Taxotere®/Estramustine Effective in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 08/11/2003
According to a recent article published in the journal Urology, neoadjuvant Taxotere® (docetaxel) and estramustine appears to be effective initial treatment for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a common malignancy among men in the United States. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that ...

Enhanced Ultrasound Improves Detection of Prostate Cancer 07/23/2003
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Urology, the use of contrast enhanced color Doppler in endorectal ultrasound improves the detection of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men in the United States. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death ...

Accuracy of Staging Improved for Prostate Cancer 07/07/2003
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a new technique involving lymphotropic superparamagnetic nanoparticles improves the accuracy of detectiing cancer that has spread to pelvic lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer. Approximately 200,000 men are diagnosed annually with prostate cancer ...

Finasteride May Help Prevent Prostate Cancer 07/07/2003
According to results recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine, finasteride, a drug commonly used in the treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy as well as hair loss, may provide protection against the development of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men in the ...

Early Hormone Therapy Improves Survival in Prostate Cancer 06/09/2003
According to results presented at the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, hormone therapy delivered directly following radiation therapy improves survival compared to later delivery of hormone therapy. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. ...

Pilot Study Suggests Lycopene Supplementation May Benefit Localized Prostate Cancer Patients, But More Research Needed 04/29/2003
According to an article recently published in Experimental Biology and Medicine, lycopene supplementation prior to surgery may reduce the severity of cancer in prostate cancer patients. The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms semen. It is located below the bladder in front of ...

Significantly More Men Up-to-Date on Prostate Screening than Colorectal Screening 04/16/2003
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men in the United States are more likely to be up-to-date on their screening for prostate cancer than screening for colorectal cancer. When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly curable disease. Colorectal cancer typically ...

Prostate Cancer Patients Appear Not to Experience Genetic Damage from Soy Isoflavones 04/03/2003
According to an article recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, soy isoflavones appear not to damage DNA of cancer patients or healthy volunteers. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum and is responsible for creating a ...

Green Tea Appears Ineffective Against Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer 03/21/2003
According to a study recently published in the journal Cancer, green tea failed to reduce prostate specific antigen levels in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate’s main function is the production ...

Calcitriol and Docetaxel May be a Promising Treatment for Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer 03/20/2003
Results from a phase II trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that weekly calcitriol and Taxotere® (docetaxel) may be a promising treatment for patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Preclinical studies have indicated that the combination of calcitriol and the chemotherapy drug Taxotere® may ...

FDA Approves Long-Acting Eligard® for Prostate Cancer: Dosing Once Every Four Months 02/20/2003
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of long-acting Eligard® (leuprolide) once every 4 months for the use of hormone therapy in patients with prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate is ...

Plenaxis™ Improves Quality of Life for Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer 02/20/2003
According to recent proceedings at the 7th International Symposium on GnRH Analogues in Cancer and Human Reproduction, the hormonal agent Plenaxis™ (abarelix) appears to improve quality of life in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and ...

Fewer Complications Following Prostatectomy with High-Volume Surgeons 02/17/2003
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, patients undergoing radical prostatectomies appear to have fewer complications and shorter hospital stays if their surgeon performs large volumes of prostatectomies each year. 1 These findings are consistent with a previous study evaluating surgical side effects of ...

Diets High in Fish Appear to Lower the Incidence of Prostate Cancer, Particularly Metastatic Prostate Cancer 01/29/2003
According to an article recently published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, men who eat fish regularly appear less likely to develop prostate cancer, especially metastatic cancer. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs commonly in older ...

Allium Vegetables may Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer 01/27/2003
A recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that consumption of vegetables in the allium family may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs commonly ...

Radiation Therapy may be Feasible Treatment Option in Patients with Recurrent Prostate Cancer 01/16/2003
According to a recent article published in BJU International, radiation therapy in patients who experience a cancer recurrence following a radical prostatectomy may provide an effective treatment option. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum and is responsible for creating ...

Shiitake Mushroom Extract Does Not Appear Effective for Treating Prostate Cancer 01/16/2003
According to an article recently published in Urology, shiitake mushroom extract (SME) failed to produce significant anti-cancer responses in patients with prostate cancer. The prostate is a male sex gland located between the bladder and the rectum. Since prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death ...

Addition of Calcitriol to Taxotere® may Improve Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer 01/15/2003
According to a recent article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of calcitriol may enhance the effectiveness and improve survival compared to Taxotere® (docetaxel) alone in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the ...

Increased Risk of Osteoporosis and Obesity in Men with Prostate Cancer Treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy 12/05/2002
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, men with prostate cancer being treated with androgen deprivation therapy have an increased risk of osteoporosis and obesity. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate is responsible for ...

Paraplatin®/Paclitaxel/Estramustine for Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer 11/18/2002
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Urology, the chemotherapy combination paclitaxel (Taxol®), estramustine and Paraplatin® (carboplatin) appears very effective in the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate ...

Novantrone®/Prednisone Improves Responses but Not Survival over Prednisone Alone in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 11/12/2002
According to a recent article published in The Journal of Urology, the treatment combination Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) plus prednisone improves anti-cancer responses but does not appear to significantly improve survival in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder ...

Taxotere®/Estramustine/Prednisone: New Standard of Care for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer? 10/31/2002
According to results presented at the 27th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Medical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Taxotere® (docetaxel), estramustine (Emcyte®) and prednisone appears to improve survival over the standard therapy of Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) and prednisone in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is ...

Review of Cancer Incidence in Airline Pilots over Five Decades 09/17/2002
According to a recent article published in the British Medical Journal, results from a clinical study indicate that the incidence of skin cancers and prostate cancer may be increased in airline pilots. However, the researchers could not directly attribute the development of these cancers to cosmic radiation. Concern ...

Initial Prostatectomy in Early-Stage Prostate Cancer May Improve Cancer-Free Survival Compared to Watchful Waiting 09/13/2002
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, patients with early-stage prostate cancer who are initially treated with a radical prostatectomy appear to have improved cancer-free survival, but equivalent overall survival, compared to patients who initially undergo watchful waiting. The prostate is a ...

Earlier Prostatectomy may Lead to Improved Survival in Subsequent Metastatic Prostate Cancer 08/30/2002
According to a recent article in the Journal of Urology, earlier treatment with a radical prostatectomy may improve long-term outcomes in patients who develop metastatic prostate cancer; however, further trials that directly compare different treatment regimens are warranted. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between ...

Radical Prostatectomy and Radiation Therapy Provide Equivalent Outcomes in Localized Prostate Cancer 08/27/2002
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a radical prostatectomy and external-beam radiation therapy appear to provide equivalent disease-free survival in patients with localized prostate cancer. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum and is ...

MRI May Be More Reliable Than Biopsy for Determining Prostate Recurrence 08/27/2002
According to results published in Hematology/Oncology Today and presented at the 102nd Annual American Roentgen Ray Society Meeting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appears to predict prostate cancer recurrences earlier than a prostate biopsy in patients previously treated for prostate cancer who have a rising PSA level. The prostate ...

Men Younger Than Age 60 May Have More Aggressive Prostate Cancer 08/16/2002
According to a recent article published in the The Journal of Urology, men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are under the age of 60 may have more aggressive cancer than their older counterparts. These patients may wish to consider more aggressive treatment to reduce the ...

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer 08/05/2002
According to a recent article in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology- Biology-Physics, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) appears to be safe and effective treatment for localized prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum in males and produces ...

Hormonal Therapy During and After Radiation Improves Survival in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer 07/22/2002
According to a recent article published in The Lancet, hormonal therapy during and after radiation appears to reduce cancer recurrences and improve survival in patients with prostate cancer that has not spread to distant sites in the body. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is ...

Taxotere®/Estramustine/Prednisone Effective in Prostate Cancer 07/16/2002
According to results presented at the 38th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the treatment regimen containing Taxotere® (docetaxel), estramustine (Emcyt®) and prednisone appears more effective than Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) and prednisone in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that ...

High-Dose Calcitriol plus Taxotere® Produces Significant Anti-Cancer Responses in Prostate Cancer 07/15/2002
According to results presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, high-dose calcitriol plus Taxotere® (docetaxel) produces significant anti-cancer responses in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that is located between the bladder and rectum. The ...

New Prostate Screening Test Could Improve Accuracy of PSA Testing 07/11/2002
According to a recent article in the Journal of Urology, a screening test, still in investigative stages, may improve the accuracy of PSA testing in distinguishing between prostate cancer and benign conditions. The prostate is a male sex gland that secretes a substance that forms a component of ...

Endorectal Coil MRI Improves Accuracy for Placement of Seed Implants in Prostate Cancer 07/09/2002
According to an article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appears to improve the accuracy of seed implant placement for patients being treated for prostate cancer. The prostate is a male sex gland that secretes a substance that forms ...

Addition of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging Improves Accuracy in Determining Extent of Prostate Cancer 07/03/2002
According to an article published in the journal Radiology, the addition of magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic imaging to conventional endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves the accuracy in determining the extent of prostate cancer in patients, which may ultimately lead to optimal treatment decisions. The prostate is a male ...

Vasectomy not Associated with an Increased Incidence of Prostate Cancer 06/20/2002
According to a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, there does not appear to be an increased risk of developing prostate cancer in men who have had a vasectomy. 1 The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. ...

PSA Screening Should Not be Limited to Men with a Positive Family History of Prostate Cancer 06/10/2002
According to a recent article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, screening for prostate-specific antigen levels should not be limited to men with a family history of prostate cancer. 1 The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum and produces a substance ...

Frequency of PSA Testing Re-evaluated 05/23/2002
According to results recently presented at the 38th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, it may not be necessary for older men with low PSA levels to undergo annual PSA testing. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the ...

Combination Adjuvant Therapy Appears Promising for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 05/20/2002
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, patients with locally advanced prostate cancer may have improved outcomes if treated with chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy in addition to radiation or surgery. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. ...

Green Tea Does Not Appear Effective for Metastatic Prostate Cancer 05/10/2002
According to results presented at the 2002 meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, green tea does not appear to be an effective treatment option for patients with metastatic, androgen-independent prostate cancer. The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms a component of ...

"Watchful Waiting" for Selected "Good Risk" Men with Prostate Cancer May Be an Appropriate Approach to Therapy 05/07/2002
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Urology, watchful waiting may be an appropriate option for select patients with prostate cancer. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer ...

Some Side Effects of Radical Prostatectomy Reduced if Surgeon Performs Many Procedures 04/18/2002
According to a recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the risk of some side effects caused by a radical prostatectomy appear to be reduced if a patient is treated at a high-volume hospital and by a surgeon who performs a high volume of procedures ...

PC-SPES and SPES Herbal Supplements Recalled 03/07/2002
According to recall notices issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the California Department of Health Services (DHS) and BotanicLab, consumers should immediately stop using PC-SPES and SPES herbal supplements. Laboratory testing conducted by DHS identified undeclared prescription medications in these formulas that could cause serious side ...

Elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) after Radical Prostatectomy May Not be as Serious as Previously Thought 02/25/2002
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) has been called the most important tumor marker in oncology. Certainly in prostate cancer, it has revolutionized our ability to detect the disease early, as well as follow the course of the disease in patients after being treated with different therapies. Following a successful ...

Physicians Induce Immunity to Prostate Cancer Antigens in Men with Prostate Cancer 02/25/2002
One of the major challenges in the treatment of cancer is to induce the patient’s immune system to destroy cancer cells. Inducing the immune system to fight cancer is difficult because the cancer is usually not recognized as something foreign. Many researchers are pursuing strategies for enhancing the ...

A new monoclonal antibody MDX-H210 recognizes the HER2 oncogene on prostate cancer cells and has the potential to destroy them by an immune-mediated mechanism. 02/25/2002
Monoclonal antibodies are a treatment that can locate cancer cells and kill them directly and avoid harming the normal cells. A protein called HER2 is found on the surface of some normal cells and plays a role in regulating cell growth. Monoclonal antibodies that attach to the HER2 ...

Vinorelbine chemotherapy is an active treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer.Vinorelbine chemotherapy is an active treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. 02/25/2002
Men with hormone refractory cancer may experience pain and other symptoms from the disease. Because of significant improvement in pain relief observed with chemotherapy treatment, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first chemotherapy treatment of prostate cancer. Because of the demonstration of an improvement in control ...

Immediate versus deferred hormonal treatment improves outcomes of patients with advanced prostate cancer. 02/25/2002
Despite the use of prostate-specific antigen screening for early stage prostate cancer, a substantial number of patients are diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Hormone therapy is an effective palliative treatment for symptomatic metastatic prostate cancer. Administration of hormone therapy for patients without symptoms (bone pain, urinary problems) has been ...

Strontium-89 is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of advanced prostate cancer. 02/25/2002
Hormone therapy is an effective palliative treatment for metastatic or recurrent prostate cancer. In most patients, however, prostate cancer eventually becomes hormone-resistant and progresses. Few treatment options exist for patients with metastatic hormone-resistant or refractory prostate cancer. Many patients are treated with a short course of external beam ...

Promising New Test to Improve Prostate Cancer Detection 02/22/2002
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, measuring a specific chemical change in the GSTP1 gene (GSTP1 methylation) may accurately test for the presence of early-stage prostate cancer and augment standard testing. The prostate is a male sex gland located between the ...

Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Recruiting Participants 02/22/2002
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) began enrolling patients on July 25, 2001. SELECT, the largest-ever prostate cancer prevention trial, is designed to determine whether selenium and vitamin E can protect against prostate cancer. The study is coordinated by a network of researchers called the Southwest ...

Microbubble Ultrasound Improves Screening Sensitivity for Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
A new ultrasound technique involving color-enhanced Doppler imaging with microbubble contrast improves the accuracy of screening for prostate cancer, according to a recent article published in The Lancet. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer is the second ...

Prostate Cancer Linked to a High Number of Sexual Partners 02/22/2002
The risk of prostate cancer increases as the number of lifetime female sexual partners increases, according to the results of a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer ...

Prostate Cancer Susceptibility Gene Identified 02/22/2002
Researchers have identified a genetic alteration that increases the risk of developing prostate cancer, according to a study recently published in Nature Genetics. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs commonly in older men and is the ...

New Test Improves Prostate Cancer Screening 02/22/2002
A new laboratory test may improve the specificity of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, according to a recent article published in The Journal of Urology. Cancer of the prostate, a male sex gland located between the bladder and rectum, occurs commonly in older men. One test used to determine ...

Antiandrogen Prevents Disease Progression in Early-Stage Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Results from a large clinical trial indicate that the antiandrogen, bicalutamide, prevents cancer progression in patients with early stage prostate cancer, as recently reported at the 96 th Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and ...

Predictors of Recurrence Identified Following Radical Prostatectomy 02/22/2002
For patients with prostate cancer, the Gleason score combined with pathological category (extent of disease) following a radical prostatectomy are factors which appear to most accurately predict the risk for recurrence following surgery, according to a recent article published in the journal Cancer. Patients at a high risk ...

Erectile Dysfunction Still a Significant Side Effect of Prostate Cancer Treatment 02/22/2002
More than 80% of patients treated for prostate cancer subsequently suffer from erectile dysfunction, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Urology. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs commonly in older men and ...

Novel Agent Appears Promising for Treatment of Some Cancers 02/22/2002
A novel anti-cancer drug, CCI-779, has shown promise in safely producing anti-cancer responses in patients with some types of advanced cancers. (European Society of Medical Oncology, 2000). Many different proteins exist within normal cells, that modulate chemical signals and pathways in order to maintain control of cellular proliferation (multiplication). ...

Biopsy Results Help Predict Risk for Recurrence in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer. A recent emphasis in determining the most effective treatment strategy has been focused on individualizing therapy for each patient according to differing biological characteristics of the cancer. There are 2 important benefits of individualizing therapy: 1) the ...

The Addition of Brachytherapy to External Beam Radiation May Improve Outcomes for Persons with Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer. Treatment depends on the stage, or extent of spread of the disease, but may consist of surgery, delaying treatment until the cancer progresses, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, biologic therapy (utilizing the body’s immune system to fight cancer), ...

Patients with Prostate Cancer Who Choose to Delay Treatment Require Routine Follow Ups 02/22/2002
Patients with localized prostate cancer find themselves in a difficult and often perplexing situation. Several seemingly equivalent treatment options exist, so the choice of treatment becomes a very personal decision. Some patients will choose to undergo aggressive treatment, while others will choose to delay treatment until further cancer ...

Hospitals that Perform Large Numbers of Radical Prostatectomies for Prostate Cancer Show Lower Related Deaths 02/22/2002
Hospitals at which a large number of radical prostatectomies are performed for prostate cancer have fewer surgery-related deaths, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs, according to a recent study from Dartmouth University. Cancer of the prostate, a male sex gland located near the bladder and rectum, is a type ...

Chemotherapy Before Prostatectomy May Allow More Complete Removal of Cancer for Some Persons with Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. One of the most common treatments for localized prostate cancer is a surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, but this procedure is more difficult for cancers that have spread outside the prostate ...

Sexual and Urinary Function Evaluated in Men Treated for Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
The treatment options for prostate cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or hormone therapy, depending on the stage (extent) of disease. For many persons with prostate cancer, the choice of treatment relies not only on which therapy will most effectively fight the disease, but also on which ...

Elevated PSA Levels after Surgery May Be Suppressed by Radiation Therapy 02/22/2002
Radiation therapy for persons who have elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after surgery appears, in many cases, to result in the suppression of PSA levels for 5 or more years. This finding, from researchers in Minnesota, is important because an elevated PSA level is 1 of the most ...

Sildenafil (Viagra) May Help Reverse Impotence after Treatment for Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer. Two of the most common treatments for localized prostate cancer are surgery and radiation therapy. While these therapies are often effective, they can be associated with side effects such as difficulty with urinary and/or sexual function. Now, ...

Treatment of Prostate Cancer: Radiation Therapy is Linked to a Small Increase in Second Cancers 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer. Radiation therapy and surgery, for example, are thought to be treatments of similar effectiveness for persons with localized prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body). Now, researchers report that radiation therapy, ...

Surgery and Radiation Therapy Are Equally Effective Treatments for Localized Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer. Two of the most common treatments for localized prostate cancer are radiation therapy and a surgical procedure, called a radical prostatectomy. Researchers have been comparing these 2 approaches to determine which is the most effective. Now, a ...

A Surgery for Prostate Cancer, Called Radical Prostatectomy, Is Associated with Urinary Control and Impotence 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer. One of the most common treatments for localized prostate cancer is a surgical procedure, called a radical prostatectomy. Researchers have been comparing the different treatment options for prostate cancer to determine which is the most effective and ...

Radical Prostatectomy and Radiation Therapy Produce Similar Results for Treatment of Low-Risk Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy appear to produce similar results for the treatment of persons with prostate cancer who have PSA scores of 10.0 ng/mL or less and Gleason scores of 6 or less before treatment. This news comes from Michigan researchers who compared the 2 treatment strategies ...

Treatment of Prostate Cancer: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Levels Should Define Success 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer. One of the most common treatments for localized prostate cancer is radiation therapy, using high-energy radiation with either an external beam or a radioactive implant that is placed in the prostate gland. While this therapy is effective, ...

The treatment of early stage prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) appears superior to interstitial radiation therapy except in selected circumstances. 02/22/2002
Patients with early stage prostate cancer find themselves in a difficult and often perplexing situation. Several seemingly equivalent treatment options exist and no well-done clinical studies are available to help patients sort out the various treatment options. The 3 main choices are surgery (radical prostatectomy), external beam radiation ...

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy delivers a greater radiation dose and may improve management of prostate cancer. 02/22/2002
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is an effective treatment for localized prostate cancer. Following EBRT, persistence or recurrence of cancer within the prostate occurs in up to 50% of cases. Radiation doses delivered to the prostate gland have traditionally been limited by toxicity to the rectum and bladder. ...

Radiation implant therapy appears promising for treatment of early stage prostate carcinoma. 02/22/2002
With the improvements in screening for prostate cancer, many men will be diagnosed with earlier prostate cancer than in the past. With advances in prostate imaging and computer treatment planning, interstitial brachytherapy (radiation implants) appears effective for treatment of early stage, low to moderate grade prostate cancer. Implant ...

Higher Radiation Doses Cure More Patients with Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Cancer of the prostate, a male sex gland located near the bladder and rectum, is a type of cancer that occurs commonly in older men. Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of disease (extent of disease at the time of diagnosis), and may include surgery, radiation ...

Whole-Pelvic Radiation and Neoadjuvant Hormone Therapy Boosts Progression-Free Survival in Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Results of a study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology suggest that radiation to the entire pelvis is more effective in delaying progression of prostate cancer than prostate-only radiation, especially when combined with hormone therapy delivered before (neoadjuvant) or during ...

ABT-627 Delays Progression of Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
A novel agent, ABT-627, appears to delay the progression of cancer in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer with few side effects, according to recent reports presented at the 37 th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The prostate is a male sex gland located between the scrotum ...

Samarium-153 lexidronam is being Evaluated for Patients with Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
A clinical trial to evaluate the effects of samarium-153 lexidronam in patients with metastatic prostate cancer has recently been launched. Approximately 85% of patients with advanced cancers, particularly those of breast, prostate, and lung origin, ultimately experience spread of the original cancer to their bones. Once the cancer ...

Chemotherapy in Addition to Hormonal Therapy Improves Survival for Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Results from a recent clinical trial published in the BJU International suggest that the combination of the chemotherapy agent mitozantrone plus hormonal therapy may extend survival by over 3 years compared to hormonal therapy alone in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Cancer of the prostate, a male sex ...

Visual Examination of Prostate Specimen May Help Predict Patients at High Risk for Recurrence 02/22/2002
There are many treatment options available for persons with prostate cancer. A recent emphasis in determining the most effective treatment strategy has been focused on individualizing therapy for each patient according to differing biological characteristics of the cancer. There are two important benefits of individualizing therapy: 1) the ...

Suramin Combined with Hormone Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Advanced Prostate Cancer Produces Significant Side Effects 02/22/2002
Suramin, a drug under study for the palliative care of men with advanced prostate cancer, should be limited to persons with disease that has already been treated and has become resistant to hormone therapy, according to new research findings from the Southwest Oncology Group. Suramin has been shown ...

FDA Approves Leuprolide Acetetate Implant (Viadur) for Use in Persons with Advanced Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
The agent leuprolide, a type of hormone therapy, has long been used to decrease the testosterone levels in some men with prostate cancer to stop the progression of disease and prolong survival time. The therapy is usually administered with intramuscular injections every 1, 3, or 4 months. Now, ...

Treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer with the combination of radiation and hormonal adjuvant treatment reduces the rate of cancer progression and may improve survival when compared to a strat 02/22/2002
Patients with prostate cancer documented to involve the pelvic lymph nodes have an average time to cancer progression of approximately 18 months, and this is reduced to less than 12 months in patients with high grade malignancies. Historically, standard treatment of these patients has been with hormonal therapy, ...

Combined radiation and hormonal therapy improves survival in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer compared to treatment with radiotherapy alone. 02/22/2002
Locally advanced prostate cancer remains a challenging disease and is often difficult to cure. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common treatment for stage III (C) prostate cancer. Hormone therapy is an effective treatment for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer, and may work together with local ...

New Drug, Exisulind, Has Activity Against Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
A novel agent called exisulind has been shown to inhibit the rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in men with recurrent prostate cancer, according to a recent article published in the Journal of Urology. The prostate is a male sex gland located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate ...

Preliminary Studies Suggest ABT-627 has Anti-Cancer Activity in Patients with Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
A novel agent, ABT-627, appears to delay the progression of cancer in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer and produces few side effects, according to results from preliminary clinical trials. The prostate is a male sex gland located between the bladder and rectum. It is comprised of muscular and glandular ...

Estramustine, Docetaxel and Hydrocortisone: Active Treatment in Advanced Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
The chemotherapy combination consisting of estramustine, docetaxel and low-dose hydrocortisone appears to produce significant anti-cancer responses in approximately 50% of men with metastatic prostate cancer that no longer respond to hormone therapy, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This regimen may be ...

Oral Chemotherapy Provides Safe Palliation for Some Men with Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Cancer of the prostate, a male sex gland located near the bladder and rectum, is a type of cancer that occurs commonly in older men. Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of disease (extent of disease at the time of diagnosis), and may include surgery, radiation ...

Suramin Plus Hydrocortisone and Androgen Deprivation has Limited Effectiveness for Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Testosterone is a male hormone produced mainly by the testicles. Many organs in the body are composed of cells that respond to or are regulated by exposure to testosterone. Cells in the prostate gland have testosterone receptors and when exposed to testosterone are stimulated to grow. When cells ...

Estramustine Plus Cyclophosphamide Is Effective against Metastatic Prostate Cancer that Does Not Respond to Hormone Therapy 02/22/2002
The chemotherapy combination of oral estramustine and cyclophosphamide is effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in men who have metastatic prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy, say researchers from Italy. This regimen may be particularly helpful in maintaining physical functioning and in ...

Immediate Hormonal Therapy Prolongs Survival in Patients with Prostate Cancer Involving the Local Lymph Nodes 02/22/2002
Testosterone is a male hormone produced mainly by the testicles. Many organs in the body are composed of cells that respond to or are regulated by exposure to testosterone. Cells in the prostate gland have testosterone receptors and when exposed to testosterone are stimulated to grow. When cells ...

Chemotherapy treatment of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer reduces the severity and duration of pain and improves overall well-being and quality of life. 02/22/2002
In this clinical study, men with prostate cancer that no longer responded to hormonal treatment received 1 of 2 treatments; 1) chemotherapy treatment with the drugs Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) and prednisone or 2) a low dose of the anti-inflammatory agent, prednisone, alone. The purpose of this direct comparison was ...

Cryosurgery Effective for Localized Recurrent Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Cryosurgery may be an effective treatment option for patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer, according to recent results published in the Journal of Urology. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer ...

Low Doses of Dexamethasone Reduce Side Effects in Treatment for Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Low doses of dexamethasone may provide an effective treatment option with limited side effects for patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer, according to a recent article published in the journal Cancer. Cancer of the prostate, a male sex gland located between the bladder and rectum, occurs commonly in older ...

Androgen Suppression Therapy Lowers Recurrence Rate for Early Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
According to a recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Society, men with localized prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread away from the prostate) may reduce their risk of a cancer recurrence with the use of androgen suppression therapy. The prostate is a male sex gland ...

Suramin May Provide Relief for Persons with Prostate Cancer that Does Not Respond to Hormone Therapy 02/22/2002
For men with advanced prostate cancer, effective therapies to alleviate pain and other symptoms of disease are often needed. The chemotherapy drug, suramin, was recently found to be beneficial in reducing pain and in prolonging the time before progression of disease for men with advanced prostate cancer that ...

Consumption of Fatty Fish May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
Moderate consumption of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50%, according to a recent study published in The Lancet. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs ...

Tomato-Based Foods May Lower PSA Levels in Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, tomato-based foods may help to lower PSA levels in patients already diagnosed with prostate cancer. The prostate is a male sex gland responsible for producing fluid that forms semen. It is located below the bladder ...

The Role of Diet in the Prevention of Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
There is increasing evidence that diet does play a role in the development and perhaps the prevention of prostate cancer, according to recent proceedings at the annual meeting of the Society of Nutritional Oncology Adjuvant Therapy, as well as an article in Cancer Control: The Journal of the ...

Study Finds Low Selenium Levels Linked with Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
According to results recently published in the Journal of Urology, men with low plasma levels of selenium are at increased risk for developing prostate cancer. Based on this evidence, researchers suggest that supplemental selenium may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, particularly in older men whose selenium levels ...

Gamma-Tocopherol May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
A major component of vitamin E in the U.S. diet, gamma-tocopherol, may be a factor in reducing the risk of prostate cancer, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The prostate is a male sex gland that is located between the ...

Herbal Supplement, PC-SPES, May Provide Symptom Relief for Persons with Metastatic Prostate Cancer 02/22/2002
For men with metastatic prostate cancer, effective therapies to alleviate pain and other symptoms of disease are often needed. Now, several studies indicate that an herbal supplement, called PC-SPES, may significantly reduce pain and decrease prostate-specific antigen levels in men who have metastatic prostate cancer that is resistant ...