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Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Increase Risk of Cancer in Patients with Heart Disease (11/19/2009)
Researchers from Norway have reported that folic acid and B12 supplements in patients with ischemic heart disease increase the risk of cancer and all-cause mortality. The details of this study appeared in the November 18, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Society.
Physical Activity May Reduce Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer (11/18/2009)
Researchers from U.S. and European medical centers have reported that not sitting during work, occupational activity, walking, and biking can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. The details of this study were published early online on October 27, 2009 in the British Journal of Cancer.
High-dose Mixed Proton and Photon Radiotherapy May Improve Treatment of Prostate Cancer (11/13/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the Proton Radiation Oncology Group (PROG)/American College of Radiology (ACR) 95-09 study have reported that mixed proton and photon radiotherapy improves outcomes of patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The details of this randomized trial were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Radiation Therapy and Oncology (ASTRO) in the first week of November.
Radiotherapy and Hormonal Therapy Effective for Men with Prostate Cancer Failing Surgery (11/10/2009)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that relapse-free survival was over 90% in patients treated with salvage radiotherapy (RT) plus two years of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for post-prostatectomy relapse. The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in the first week in November, 2009.
Neoadjuvant Taxotere® and ADT Well Tolerated in High-risk Prostate Cancer (10/27/2009)
Researchers from Spain have reported that neoadjuvant Taxotere® (docetaxel) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was well tolerated and associated with a 6% pathological complete response (pCR) rate and a 6% near pCR rate in men with high-risk prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the October 13, 2009 issue of the British Journal of Cancer.
New Oral Agent, Tasquinimod, May Have Activity in Prostate Cancer (10/26/2009)
Researchers from Sweden have reported that tasquinimod, an oral analog of linomide, may have significant activity in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). The details of this study appeared in the October 13, 2009 issue of the British Journal of Cancer.
Relative Effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Prostatectomy vs Open Prostatectomy Debated (10/15/2009)
Researchers from Harvard University have reported that men undergoing minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) have “a shorter hospital stay, fewer respiratory and miscellaneous surgical complications and strictures, and similar postoperative use of additional cancer therapies but experienced more genitourinary complications, incontinence, and erectile dysfunction” than men undergoing conventional open retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). The details of this study appeared in the October 14, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Association.
Radium-223 (Alpharadin®) Effective Palliation for Prostate Cancer Metastatic to Bone (10/9/2009)
Researchers involved in three Phase II European multicenter studies have reported that Alpharadin® (radium-223), an alpha emitter, is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of men with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) with metastatic bone lesions. The details of these studies were presented at the Joint ECCO 15 – 34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin, September 20-24 2009.
Dutasteride Effective in Reducing Risk of Prostate Cancer in High-risk Men (10/8/2009)
Researchers involved in the international Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial, have reported that dutasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that inhibits conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, is effective in reducing the risk of biopsy-proven prostate cancer in men with an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) with negative prostate biopsies. The details of this study were reported at the Joint ECCO 15 – 34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin, September 20-24.
Radiotherapy plus Adjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: Ten-year Results (10/8/2009)
Researchers affiliated with European Organization for Research for the Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) trial 22863 have reported that three years of adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with locally advanced prostate cancer receiving radiotherapy improves survival without late cardiovascular toxicity with a 10-year follow-up. The details of this analysis were presented at the Joint ECCO 15 – 34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin, September 20-24.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy Increases Risk of Heart Disease in Prostate Cancer (10/7/2009)
Researchers from Sweden have reported that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with advanced prostate cancer may lead to an increased risk of heart disease. The details of this study were presented September 22, 2009 at Europe’s largest cancer congress, ECCO 15-ESMO 34, in Berlin.
Prevalent Vertebral Fractures in Men Receiving ADT for Prostate Cancer Shorten Overall Survival (9/23/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter international study evaluating denosumab for prevention of new vertebral fractures in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have reported that men with prevalent vertebral fractures (PVFs) at baseline had a decreased survival compared with men without such fractures. The details of this study were presented at the Joint ECCO 15-34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin September 20-24, 2009.
Single Treatment with High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Effective for Localized Prostate Cancer (9/21/2009)
Researchers from McMaster University in Canada have reported that high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for localized prostate cancer results in a two-year biochemical failure-free rate of 86%. The details of this study were presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Urologic Association.
Estrogen Receptor Modulator Reduces Bone Complications from Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer (9/18/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter Phase III study have reported that the administration of toremifene (Acapodene®) to men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer reduces the risk of bone fractures. The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Urological Association.
Outcomes of Localized Prostate Cancer with Conservative Management Reported (9/17/2009)
Researchers from several U.S. medical centers have reported that the results of conservative management of prostate cancer have improved in the period from 1992-2002 compared with earlier periods. The details of this study appeared in the September 16, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer (9/15/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the Physicians’ Health Study have reported that men who are seropositive for Trichomonas vaginalis are at risk for more advanced prostate cancer than men who are seronegative. The details of this study appeared early online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on September 8, 2009.
Study Explores Overdiagnosis of Prostate Cancer (9/14/2009)
Researchers from Dartmouth and the University of Connecticut have reported that 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 in an early online publication on August 31, 2009.
Watchful Waiting Appropriate for Some Men with Prostate Cancer (9/10/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the Health Professionals Follow-up Study have reported that men who choose watchful waiting for prostate cancer have a treatment delay of 7.7 years and no increased mortality compared with immediate treatment. The details of this study appeared early online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on August 31, 2009.
High Time Costs for Informal Care Givers of Cancer Patients (9/10/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have reported that the time spent by informal caregivers is significant and an important component in the overall burden of cancer care. The details of this study appeared in the September 4, 2009 issue of Cancer.
Obese Men Have Higher-grade and Larger Prostate Cancers (9/3/2009)
Researchers from Duke University have reported that “obese men undergoing radical prostatectomy had higher-grade and larger tumors, providing further evidence that obese men undergoing radical prostatectomy have more aggressive prostate cancers.” The details of this study appeared in the September 1, 2009 issue of Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases.
Exclusion of Screened Men and PSA Testing in Control Patients Increases Estimate of PSA Screening Effectiveness (9/1/2009)
Researchers involved in the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) have reported that the risk of dying of prostate cancer is decreased by 31% when corrected for men who were not screened and for men in the control group who underwent PSA screening, which is higher than reported on an intent-to-treat basis. The details of this study appeared in the October 2009 issue of European Urology on July 28, 2009.
Adjuvant High-dose Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy May Decrease Relapses After Radical Prostatectomy (8/31/2009)
Researchers from Belgium have reported that adjuvant high-dose (74Gy) intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is associated with a 93% biochemical relapse-free survival in men with high-risk prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. The details of this study will appear in the October 2009 issue of European Urology.
Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Increases Mortality in Men with Heart Disease (8/28/2009)
Researchers from Harvard Medical School have reported that neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) “is significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality among men with a history of CAD-induced CHF or MI but not among men with no co-morbidity or a single CAD risk factor.” The details of this study were published in the August 26, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Bonefos® Improves Survival in Metastatic Prostate Cancer (8/27/2009)
Researchers from the UK have reported that Bonefos® (sodium clodronate) reduces the risk of death by 23% in men with metastatic prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in The Lancet Oncology on August 11, 2009.
Brachytherapy, External Beam Radiation Therapy, and Androgen Suppression Improve Survival of Men with High-risk Prostate Cancer (8/21/2009)
Researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Center have reported that men with high-risk prostate cancer receiving brachytherapy have improved survival with added external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and androgen suppression therapy (AST). The details of this study appeared in the August 20, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Quality-of-life Evaluation of Cryoablation Versus Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer (8/19/2009)
Researchers from Canada have reported equivalent quality-of-life measurements following cryoablation or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer, with the exception of poorer short-term and long-term sexual function following cryoablation. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Cancer on August 18, 2009.
Benefits of Breast and Prostate Screening Overestimated by the Public (8/18/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported that Europeans “systematically overestimate the benefits of mammography and PSA screening.” The details of this study appeared early online on August 11, 2009 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Denosumab Shows Bone Benefits in Two Pivotal Studies (8/11/2009)
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.
“Watchful Waiting” in Prostate Cancer Does Not Increase Anxiety (8/7/2009)
Researchers from the Netherlands have reported that men who choose to delay treatment for early prostate cancer do not experience increased anxiety from living with the disease. The results of this study appeared in an early online publication in Cancer on July 27, 2009.
ASCO 2009: Phase I-II Results of New Bcl-2 Inhibitor, AT-101 (8/5/2009)
At the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) there were several preclinical and Phase I-II clinical presentations suggesting activity for a new inhibitor of the Bcl-2 family of proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mel-1, Bcl-W), AT-109, developed by Ascenta Therapeutics.
Meta-analysis Confirms Effectiveness of Radiotherapy plus ADT for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer (8/4/2009)
Researchers from Italy performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing combined radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with radiotherapy alone and concluded that combined therapy decreases relapses and mortality in men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the August 2009 issue of Cancer.
Combined Androgen Blockade Improves Survival for Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer (7/28/2009)
Researchers from Japan have reported that combined androgen blockade (CAB) with a luteninizing hormone-release hormone (LHRH) agonist and bicalutamide (Casodex®), a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, improves survival compared with use of an LHRH agonist alone for treatment of men with advanced prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the August 1, 2009 issue of Cancer.
Single Infusion of Zometa® Reduces Bone Loss in Men with Prostate Cancer (7/22/2009)
Researchers from Japan have reported that a single dose of Zometa® (zoledronic acid) prior to starting androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) reduces bone mineral loss and maintains bone mineral density (BMD) for 12 months. The details of this study appeared in the August 2009 issue of Cancer.
False-positive Results Are Common with Cancer Screening (7/21/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial have reported that the risk of obtaining a false-positive result from screening for prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer is high and becomes cumulatively higher with ongoing screening—after 14 screening tests, the cumulative risk of a false-positive is 60.4% for men and 48.8% for women. The results of this study were published in the May/June 2009 issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Longer Duration of Androgen Suppression Benefits Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer (6/16/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the EORTC Radiation Oncology Group and Genito-Urinary Tract Cancer Group have reported that the combination of radiation therapy (RT) and three years of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was superior to RT and six months of ADT. The details of this study appeared in the June 11, 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Denosumab Decreases Fractures in Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer (6/11/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter international study have reported that denosumab significantly reduced the incidence of new vertebral fractures in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando, Florida, on May 31.
Improved Bone Mineral Density in Prostate Cancer Patients with Denosumab (6/11/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter U.S. and Canadian trial have reported that denosumab consistently increased bone mineral density (BMD) in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Orlando, Florida, on May 31.
Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Improves Outcome Among Men with pT3 Prostate Cancer (5/22/2009)
Researchers from Germany involved in a multicenter trial have reported that post-radical prostatectomy adjuvant radiation therapy reduces the risk of biochemical relapse in men with pT3 prostate cancer with a negative PSA after surgery. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication the Journal of Clinical Oncology on May 11, 2009.
Statins May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer (5/12/2009)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that use of statins may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. The details of this study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association.
More Detailed Results for Provenge® in Prostate Cancer Presented (5/1/2009)
According to the results of the Phase III IMPACT trial, treatment with Provenge® (sipuleucel-T), an investigational immunotherapy, improved overall survival by 4.1 months among men with metastatic, androgen-independent prostate cancer. These results were presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Urological Association.
Avodart® Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk (4/30/2009)
Researchers involved with the REDUCE (REducion by DUtasteride of prostate Cancer Events) have reported that use of Avodart® (dutasteride)—a drug currently used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia—decreased the risk of prostate cancer by 23% in men at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. These results were presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Urological Association.
Provenge® May Improve Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer (4/17/2009)
According to the results of a new Phase III clinical trial, treatment with Provenge® (sipuleucel-T), an investigational immunotherapy, improved overall survival among men with metastatic, androgen-independent prostate cancer. This information was provided in a press release from Dendreon on April 14, 2009. More detailed results will be presented later this month at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association.
Learning Curve for Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Slower than for Open Surgery (4/6/2009)
Researchers from the United States and Europe have reported that increasing surgeon experience decreases prostate cancer recurrences after laparoscopic prostatectomy. They also suggest that the skills developed in performing open surgery do not translate well to laparoscopic surgery. The details of this study appeared on April 1, 2009 in an early online publication in The Lancet Oncology.
Diabetes Associated with Decreased Risk of Prostate Cancer (4/1/2009)
Researchers from the Harlyne Norris Research Center in Los Angeles have reported that diabetes is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in European Americans as well as most other racial groups. The details of this study appeared in the April 1, 2009 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Supplementation with Folic Acid Associated with Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer (3/23/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the Aspirin/Folate Polyp Prevention Study have reported that supplementation with folic acid significantly increases the risk of prostate cancer. The details of this study were reported in the March 18, 2009 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Do Recent Results of Two Randomized Trials Tell Us if PSA Screening Decreases Prostate Cancer Mortality? (3/20/2009)
The New England Journal of Medicine (March 18, 2009) has published the results of two randomized trials evaluating the value of prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening. A European study suggests that screening decreases prostate cancer mortality by 20%, while a U.S. study found no effect.
PSA Screening May Lead to Overdiagnosis of Prostate Cancer (3/19/2009)
Researchers from the United States and the Netherlands have reported that prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening results in a long lead time and a high probability of overdiagnosis of prostate cancer. The results of this study were published early online on March 10, 2009 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Elevated Sarcosine May Indicate More Aggressive Prostate Cancer (2/27/2009)
Researchers from the Michigan Center for Translational Pathology have reported that 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 February 12, 2009 issue of Nature.
Prostate Cancer May Cause Men to Neglect Other Health Problems (2/17/2009)
Researchers affiliated with James S. Goodwin, Sealy Center for Aging in Galveston, Texas, have reported that the majority of men with early-stage, low- to moderate-grade prostate cancer die from other causes. This observation suggests that they would benefit from ongoing screening and prevention for cardiovascular disease and other health conditions. The details of this study appeared in the January 1, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.
Exercise May Keep Fatigue at Bay in Men Undergoing Radiation for Prostate Cancer (2/9/2009)
Researchers from Canada have reported that 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. The details of this study appeared in the January 20, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Neoadjuvant Taxotere® and Iressa® Well Tolerated in Men with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer (1/29/2009)
Researchers from the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, have reported that neoadjuvant Taxotere® (docetaxel) and Iressa® (gefitinib) is well tolerated in men with high-risk locally advanced prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Cancer on January 6, 2009.
Disadvantaged Men Have Less PSA Screening and More Advanced Prostate Cancer at Diagnosis (1/21/2009)
Researchers from UCLA have reported that the proportion of disadvantaged men with low-risk prostate cancer at diagnosis is lower than in the general population, indicating that a greater proportion of disadvantaged men are diagnosed with more advanced disease. These data suggest that inadequate PSA screening leads to more advanced disease at diagnosis. The details of this study were published in the February 2009 issue of the Journal of Urology.
Radiation Therapy plus Hormone Therapy Cuts Prostate Cancer Deaths in Half (1/13/2009)
Researchers from Sweden have reported that combined radiation and hormonal therapy reduces deaths by 50% compared with hormonal therapy alone for treatment of locally advanced or high-risk prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Lancet on December 15, 2008.
Selenium and Vitamins E and C Don’t Prevent Prostate Cancer (12/22/2008)
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 early online publications in the Journal of the American Medical Association on December 9, 2008.
Statins May Affect Prostate Specific Antigen Levels (11/12/2008)
Researchers from Duke University have reported that statin use lowers prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and may interfere with the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the November 5, 2008 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Avastin® May have Activity in Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer (11/7/2008)
Researchers from Italy have reported that Avastin® (bevacizumab) plus docetaxel (Taxotere®) may have activity in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) who had previously been treated with Taxotere. The details of this study were reported in the November 2008 issue of European Urology.
High Volume Confirmed Important for Outcomes of Radical Prostatectomy (11/5/2008)
Researchers from the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes research have reported that “higher provider volumes are associated with better outcomes after radical prostatectomy.” The details of this study were published in the September, 2008 issue of the Journal of Urology.
Agent Orange Exposure Increases the Incidence and Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer (10/27/2008)
Researchers from the University of California Davis have reported that men exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam have a two-fold increase in the incidence of prostate cancer, occurring at a younger age with a more aggressive histology than comparable men not exposed to Agent Orange. The details of this study were published in the November 1, 2008 issue of Cancer.
Body Weight and C-Peptide Levels Associated with Risk of Dying from Prostate Cancer (10/22/2008)
Researchers from Harvard University have reported that excess body weight coupled with a high C-peptide level among men with prostate cancer is associated with an increased risk of death from the disease. These results were recently published in an early online version of the Lancet Oncology on October 3, 2008.
Study Suggests No Difference in Outcomes for Open Versus Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer (10/2/2008)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy (LRP) had similar outcomes to open retropubic prostatectomy. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the British Journal of Urology International on September 5, 2008.
Brachytherapy Effective for Selective Patients 75 Years of Age or Older with Prostate Cancer (9/26/2008)
Researchers from the Schiffler Cancer Center in West Virginia have reported that prostate brachytherapy is effective in elderly cancer patients with prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the October 1, 2008 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics.
MRI with Contrast Effective for Pelvic Lymph Node Staging of Prostate Cancer (8/25/2008)
Researchers from the Netherlands have reported that MRI with non-specific contrast allows for omission of diagnostic pelvic lymph-node dissection in men at intermediate or high risk of having nodal involvement. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Lancet Oncology on August 18, 2008.
Watchful Waiting Versus Radical Prostatectomy: 11-year Follow-up (8/21/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Scandinavian Prostatic Cancer Group Study Number 4 have reported the following: “Radical prostatectomy reduces prostate cancer mortality and risk of metastases with little or no further increase in benefit 10 or more years after surgery.” The details of the 3rd report of this randomized trial appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on August 11, 2008.
U.S. Preventive Service Task Force Does Not Recommend PSA Screening for Prostate Cancer (8/6/2008)
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.
Abiraterone, an Inhibitor of Cytochrome P 17, Effective in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (7/30/2008)
Researchers from the United Kingdom have reported that the selective inhibitor of CYP17, abiraterone acetate, may be effective for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). These results were published early online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on July 21, 2008.
Low Socioeconomic Status Increases Cancer Mortality (7/24/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Findings from the National Program Registries Patterns of Care Study have reported that low socioeconomic status is associated with a high mortality due to later diagnoses and less aggressive treatments for cancer. The details of this study were reported in the August 1, 2008 issue of Cancer.
Radiofrequency Ablation Effective for Lung Tumors (7/22/2008)
Researchers involved in a multicenter international trial have reported that the use of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of lung cancer or pulmonary metastases provides an effective and safe therapeutic option for selected patients. These results were recently published in the July 7, 2008 issue of Lancet Oncology.
Denosumab Improves Bone Density in Prostate Cancer Patients (7/16/2008)
Amgen has reported that denosumab improved bone density and reduced the risk of vertebral fracture in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT).
Study Questions Benefit of Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer (7/11/2008)
Researchers from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School have reported that primary androgen deprivation therapy (PADT) may not be associated with improved survival compared with conservative management of elderly men with localized prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the July 9, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Salvage Radiotherapy Improves Prostate Cancer-specific Survival (6/19/2008)
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Duke University have reported that salvage radiotherapy following biochemical recurrence improves prostate cancer-specific survival in men with a PSA doubling time of less than six months. The details of this retrospective analysis were published in the June 18, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Increases Incidence of AML (6/18/2008)
According to a study presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the use of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for treatment of prostate cancer is associated with a twofold increase in the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
New Analysis Suggests Finasteride Prevents Prostate Cancer Without Increased Risk of High-grade Cancers (6/18/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Finastride Prostate Prevention Trial have reported a re-analysis of data previously published in the July 17, 2003 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. This new analysis suggests that treatment with finasteride for seven years reduced the incidence of prostate cancer by approximately 25% without increasing the incidence of high-grade cancers. These new data were included in four publications published online on May 18, 2008 in Cancer Prevention Research.
Fareston® Decreases Vertebral Fractures in Men with Prostate Cancer Receiving ADT (6/10/2008)
Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital have reported that the administration of Fareston® (toremifene citrate) decreases the risk of new vertebral fractures in men with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The details of this study were presented at the 2008, 99th annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in San Diego, April 12-16.
Recurrent Disease and Anastomotic Strictures Increased with Use of Minimally Invasive Radical Prostatectomy (5/19/2008)
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have reported that men with localized prostate cancer are increasingly treated with laparoscopic or laparoscopic robotic radical prostatectomy, which is associated with a lower rate of perioperative complications but a higher risk of salvage therapy than conventional surgery. The details of this study were published in the May 10, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Laparoscopic Robotic Surgery Effective for Localized Prostate Cancer (5/16/2008)
Researchers from Columbia University and the Henry Ford Health Systems have reported that laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy (LRP) provides excellent cancer control and good functional outcome in 2,766 men with localized prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in April 2008 issue of The American Journal of Hematology/Oncology.
Statins and NSAIDs May Improve Survival of Patients with Prostate Cancer (5/15/2008)
Researchers from Saints Medical Center in Lowell, Massachusetts, have reported that there was a reduction of all-cause mortality among patients with prostate cancer taking statins or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The details of this study were presented at the 2008 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco in February.
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer May Increase Risk for Fatal and Non-Fatal Cardiovascular Events (5/14/2008)
Researchers from Sweden have reported: “The diagnosis of prostate cancer confers an increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events during the first year after diagnosis, most markedly within the first week.” The details of this study were presented at the 2008 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco in February.
Zometa® Improves Bone Density in Men with Prostate Cancer Treated with ADT (5/14/2008)
Researchers from Loyola University Medical Center have reported that Zometa® (zoledronic acid) increases bone density in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. The details of this study were presented at the 2008 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco in February.
Active Surveillance Reasonable for Elderly with Low-grade Prostate Cancer (5/13/2008)
Researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in New Brunswick have concluded that active surveillance is an appropriate treatment for many elderly patients with prostate cancer, especially if low-grade. The details of this study were presented at the 2008 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in February of 2008 in San Francisco.
No Difference in Survival Between Immediate and Delayed Anti-Androgen Therapy for Stage II–III Prostate Cancer. (5/12/2008)
Researchers from Rotterdam have reported that overall and disease-specific survival were not different in patients receiving immediate or delayed anti-androgen therapy for Stage II–III prostate cancer. The details of this randomized trial were presented at the 2008 ASCO Genitourinary Cancer Symposium in February in San Francisco.
Specific Gene Expression Predicts Risk for Prostate Cancer (5/9/2008)
Researchers from Barcelona, Spain, have reported that expression of the PTOV1 (prostate tumor overexpressed-1) 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 May 2008 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
GVAX® Promising for Early-stage Locally Recurrent Prostate Cancer (4/30/2008)
Researchers involved in a multicenter Phase I–II trial have reported promising activity of GVAX® in patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer who had not received hormone therapy. The details of this trial were presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April 12-18, in San Diego.
Differing Prostate Cancer Mortality Between United States and United Kingdom (4/28/2008)
Researchers from the United Kingdom have reported that between 1994 and 2004 there has been a greater decline in prostate cancer deaths in the United States than in the United Kingdom. These authors speculated that this may be due to differences in PSA screening. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Lancet Oncology on April 17, 2008.
Intermittent Taxotere® Effective in Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer (4/15/2008)
Researchers from Turkey have reported that intermittent administration of Taxotere® (docetaxel) appears to provide as much benefit, with fewer side effects, as continuous administration of Taxotere among patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). These results were recently presented at the 23rd annual meeting of the European Association of Urology March 26-29 in Milan, Italy.
Fluctuation in Weight May Influence Risk Certain Cancers (4/10/2008)
Researchers in Austria have reported that large weight gains or losses may influence an individual’s risk for developing certain types of cancer. Complete details of the study were published in the April 2008 issue of the Annals of Oncology.
Quality of Life Following Treatment for Prostate Cancer Reported (3/24/2008)
Researchers from several U.S. medical institutions have reported quality of life and satisfaction with treatment among prostate cancer survivors. The details of this study were published in the March 20, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Laparoscopic Prostatectomy as Effective as Open Prostatectomy (3/18/2008)
Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have reported that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was as effective as radical open prostatectomy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer but with differing side effects. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Urology on March 18, 2008.
Internet May Be Useful Tool for Education About Prostate Cancer (3/14/2008)
Researchers from several California medical institutions have reported that public health Web sites may not be as useful to men concerned about prostate cancer as educational online presentations about the disease. This study was published in the February 25, 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
IMRT May Have Fewer Side Effects than Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer (3/7/2008)
Researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center have reported that IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) produces the same clinical outcomes as 125-I brachytherapy for localized low-risk prostate cancer but with less acute and chronic toxicities. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics on January 17, 2008.
Adjuvant Androgen Suppression Only Improves Survival in Men with no or Minimal Comorbidity (2/6/2008)
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute have reported that the addition of 6 months of androgen suppression therapy (AST) improves the outcomes of men with localized prostate cancer with unfavorable features who had no or minimal comorbidity. The details of this randomized trial appeared in the January 23, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy Prior to Radiation Therapy Improves Outcomes in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer (1/21/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the RTOG 8610 study have reported that the addition of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) prior to and during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) improves outcomes of men with locally advanced prostate cancer. These results were published in an early on-line publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on January 2, 2008.
More Studies on the Effects of Statins on the Incidence of Prostate Cancer (12/7/2007)
Three new studies on the effects of statins on the risk of developing prostate cancer were published in the November, 2007 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.
PSA Screening for Prostate Cancer in Men Aged 45-50 Years Reported (12/5/2007)
Researchers from the UK have reported the results of testing for PSA (prostate specific antigen) in 442 unselected men between the ages of 45 and 50 years. The reported that 54 (12%) had an elevated PSA using an age-related threshold of 1.5 ng/ml and there were 10 cases (2.3%) of prostate cancer detected. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in the British Journal of Medicine on November 15, 2007.
Weight Influences PSA Test Results (11/30/2007)
Researchers involved in a US multi-institutional trial have reported that 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 details of this study appeared in the November 21, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Ixabepilone has Activity in Taxotere® Refractory Prostate Cancer (11/27/2007)
Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) have reported that ixabepilone has similar activity to mitoxantrone and prednisone for the treatment of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) who have failed Taxotere (docetaxel). The details of this randomized trial were published in the August 1, 2007 issue of Cancer.
Excess Weight Increases Prostate Cancer Mortality (11/19/2007)
Researchers associated with a multi-center U.S. trial have reported that being overweight or obese is associated with higher risk of death from localized prostate cancer than in men of normal weight. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in Cancer on November 12, 2007.
Exercise Reverses Bone Loss Caused by Androgen Deprivation for Prostate Cancer Patients (11/15/2007)
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have reported that walking can reverse the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on bone loss among men with prostate cancer. The details of this study were reported at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology (ASTRO).
Addition of Estramustine (Emcyt®) Improves Survival in Prostate Cancer (10/29/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the Meta-analysis of Estramustine in Prostate Cancer (MECaP) Trialists’ Collaborative Group have reported that the addition of estramustine (Emcyt) to chemotherapy improves survival of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in Lancet Oncology on October 16, 2007.
Adjuvant Radiation Therapy May Not Benefit Prostate Cancer Patients with Negative Margins (10/25/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) have reported that men with early prostate cancer who have negative margins following surgery may not benefit from adjuvant radiation following surgery. The details of this randomized Phase III study were published in the September 20, 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer Associated with Cardiovascular-related Death (10/18/2007)
The results of a multicenter trial have shown that the 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 details of this study appeared in an early on-line article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on October 9, 2007.
Surgery May Be Best Treatment for Early Prostate Cancer in Younger Patients (10/15/2007)
Researchers from Switzerland have reported that surgery appears to improve survival compared with other treatment approaches for early prostate cancer, particularly in young men with more aggressive cancers. The details of this study appeared in the October 8, 2007 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Study Explores Detection of Prostate Cancer by Prostate Biopsy (9/26/2007)
Researchers from the Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice at Dartmouth and Harvard Medical School have reported that prostate cancer is found in roughly 32% of prostate biopsies. The details of this study appeared in the September 19, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Taxotere®, Navelbine®, and Zometa® Active for Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (9/25/2007)
Researchers from Italy have reported that a regimen of Taxotere (docetaxel), Navelbine (vinorelbine) and Zometa (zoledronic acid) is an effective and well tolerated regimen for the first-line treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).
Low Testosterone Level Predictive of PSA Failure After Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer (9/20/2007)
Japanese researchers have reported that a preoperative low testosterone level is associated with a higher PSA failure rate after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer compared with a normal testosterone level. The details of this study appeared in the September, 2007 issue of European Urology.
Interval Cancers Not Increased by Less Frequent Prostate Cancer Screening (9/10/2007)
Researchers from the Netherlands and Sweden have reported that 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. The details of this study appeared in the September 5, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Whole Pelvic Radiotherapy Superior to Prostate Bed Radiation for High-Risk Prostate Cancer (8/30/2007)
Researchers from Stanford University have reported that whole pelvic radiation results in superior biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) than radiation only to the prostate bed after prostatectomy for high-risk patients with prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the September 1, 2007 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics.
Cryosurgery Effective for Localized Prostate Cancer (8/29/2007)
Researchers from Duke University have reported that early results of third generation cryosurgery suggest that this is a feasible and effective treatment of localized prostate cancer. The details of this study were published in the July, 2007 issue of Urology.
Better Prostate Cancer Survival Among Asian Men (8/27/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the California Cancer Registry, Public Health Institute of California have reported that Asian men (with the exception of South Asian and Vietnamese men) have significantly better prostate cancer survival than White men. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Cancer.
Study Finds No Link Between Sexually Transmitted Infections and Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer (8/23/2007)
Researchers from Johns Hopkins have reported that 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 details of this study were published in the August, 2007 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention.
GVAX® May Be Effective in Chemotherapy-Naïve Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (8/16/2007)
A multicenter US trial has suggested that GVAX may have activity in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).The details of this Phase II study were published in the July 1, 2007 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
NDA for Satraplatin Withdrawn (8/7/2007)
GPC Biotech has withdrawn their new drug application (NDA) that was filed for satraplatin for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The NDA was withdrawn until results including overall survival can be obtained. At that time, the NDA will be resubmitted to the FDA.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy Increases Cardiovascular Morbidity for Prostate Cancer Patients (7/30/2007)
Researchers from the University of California at Los Angeles and Duke University have reported that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) increases cardiovascular morbidity and could impact survival in men with low-risk prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in Cancer on July 26, 2007.
GVAX® Plus Ipilimumab Provides Positive Results in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (7/27/2007)
Researchers from Amsterdam have reported further encouraging results with the treatment combination consisting of GVAX and ipilimumab (MDX-010) for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). These updated results from a Phase I study were presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in June. Preliminary results of this study were presented at the 2006 ASCO meeting (see related news).
Experienced Surgeons Have Improved Prostatectomy Outcomes (7/26/2007)
Researchers from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the Cleveland Clinic and Wayne State University have reported that prostate cancer control improves with increasing experience of the surgeon. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on July 24, 2997.
High Intake of Cruciferous Vegetables Lowers Risk of Advanced Prostate Cancer (7/25/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial have reported that a high consumption of broccoli and cauliflower may reduce the incidence of stage III-IV prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on July 25, 2007.
Little Evidence That Lycopene Reduces Cancer Risk (7/23/2007)
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 July 10,2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Obesity Not Associated with More Aggressive Prostate Cancer (7/19/2007)
European researchers have reported that obesity is not associated with more aggressive prostate cancer as determined at biopsy or from surgical specimens. The details of this study appeared in a recent issue of the International Journal of Cancer.
Taxotere® plus Estramustine Confirmed Superior to Taxotere Alone for Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (7/18/2007)
Researchers from France have reported that the combination of Taxotere (docetaxel) and estremustine is superior to Taxotere alone for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). The details of this study were published in the June, 2007 issue of the Annals of Oncology.
Satraplatin Effective for Treatment of Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (6/15/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the multination randomized trial, SPARC, have reported that Satraplatin has significant benefit for the treatment of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June.
Cryoablation as Salvage Therapy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer after Radiation (6/1/2007)
Researchers involved in the Cryo On-Line Data (COLD) Registry have reported the results of salvage cryoablation for patients with localized prostate cancer that is recurrent after radiation therapy. The details of this study were reported at the 2007 meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in May.
Statins May Lower the Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer (5/31/2007)
Finnish researchers have reported that men taking statins have a lower incidence of prostate cancer than men not taking statins. The details of this study were reported at the 2007 meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in May.
High Intensity Ultrasound for the Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer to be Studied in the US (5/31/2007)
At the 2007 meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA), physicians from Germany presented a video on “Pulsed high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) at 3 MHZ for prostate cancer treatment.” It was also announced that US studies of the device called Ablatherm® HIFU (EDAP corporation) would be carried out at Duke University.
Randomized Trial Indicates that Cryosurgery is Equivalent to Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer (5/30/2007)
Researchers from Calgary have reported that outcomes of treating stage 1-3 with cryosurgery were equivalent to those following radiation therapy. The details of this randomized trial were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Urological Association.
Oral Satraplatin well Tolerated and Effective for Metastatic Prostate Cancer (5/29/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the SPARC (Satraplatin and Prednisone Against Refractory Disease) trial reported that oral satraplatin is well tolerated and effective for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. The details of this Phase III placebo controlled study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Urological Association in May.
Functional Outcomes of Robotic Prostatectomy Similar to Conventional Prostatectomy (5/29/2007)
Researchers from Duke University Medical Center and the University of Florida have reported that patients undergoing laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy (LRP) have similar functional outcomes as patients undergoing perineal prostatectomy (PP). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Urological Association in May.
Serum Lycopene Levels not Associated with Prostate Cancer (5/23/2007)
Researchers involved in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial have reported that there is no association between serum lycopene levels and the risk of prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the May 1, 2007 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.
Provenge Followed by Taxotere May Improve Survival in Metastatic Prostate Cancer (5/23/2007)
Researchers involved in 2 multicenter randomized trials have reported that Provenge® (Sipuleucel-T) may improve the survival of patients with asymptomatic metastatic androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPC) who received the vaccine followed by Taxotere® (docetaxel) at progression. The details of this study were presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Anaheim, California.
Quality of Life after Different Treatment for Localized Prostate Cancer Evaluated (5/18/2007)
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that men receiving radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer have less urinary continence problems, surgery is associated with better bowel function and less urinary irritation, and brachytherapy was associated with better sexual function. The details of this study were published in the June, 2007 issue of The Journal of Urology.
Long-term Aspirin Use Modestly Lowers Cancer Risk (5/4/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the American Cancer Society have reported that daily long-term use of adult-strength aspirin appears to modestly lower the overall incidence of colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer. The details of this study were published in the April 18, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Priority Review Status Granted for Satraplatin (5/2/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the new drug application (NDA) for GPC Biotech AG’s agent satraplatin and has granted priority review status for use as treatment in combination with prednisone in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer who have failed prior treatment with chemotherapy.
Intermittent Androgen Suppression Therapy Confirmed Effective for Prostate Cancer (4/27/2007)
Researchers from Canada have reported that intermittent androgen suppression (IAS) is a good treatment option for men with prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology* Biology* Physics on March 20, 2007.
Progressive Increase in Osteoporosis with Long-Term Androgen Deprivation (4/20/2007)
Researchers from Barcelona, Spain, have reported that the prevalence of osteoporosis is high before treatment and progressively increases with long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The details of this study appeared in the March 2007 issue of Urology.
FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Approval for Provenge® (4/2/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee recommended approval for Provenge (sipuleucel-T) for the treatment of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer that is asymptomatic.
Fareston® May Decrease Side Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (4/2/2007)
Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital have reported that the administration of Fareston (toremifene citrate), an anti-estrogen, may improve bone density and improve lipid profiles in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. The details of two studies were presented in February of 2007 at the 3rd Annual Prostate Cancer Symposium sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Weekly Oral Fosamax® Prevents Bone Loss in Patients with Prostate Cancer (3/28/2007)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Roswell Park Institute have reported the weekly oral Fosamax (alendronate) can prevent and reverse bone loss associated with androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) for prostate cancer.
Length of Hospital Stay Similar for Robotic Assisted and Conventional Prostatectomy (3/12/2007)
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have reported that the length of stay between patients treated with laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy (LRP) and conventional retropubic radical prostatectomy (RP) were similar.[1] The details of this study appeared in the March 2007 issue of Urology.
Calypso System Effective for Monitoring Radiotherapy of Prostate Gland (3/9/2007)
A multi-institutional study has reported that the Calypso System is an efficient system for positioning patients undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in the March 15, 2007 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology* Physics*.
Quality of Life: Brachytherapy vs. Surgery for Localized Prostate Cancer (2/27/2007)
Researchers from France suggest that there is a difference in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between interstitial brachytherapy (IB) and radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer in the 2 years following therapy.
Completion of New Drug Application Filing for Satraplatin (2/20/2007)
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals announced completion of the filing of a new drug application (NDA) for their agent satraplatin in the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).
Prostate Cancer Patients May Benefit from Calypso® 4D Localization System (2/16/2007)
At the 2006 meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in November there were 10 abstracts presented that describe a new system for measuring and monitoring organ motion in real time during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The Calypso system should enable radiation oncologists to deliver more accurate radiation to various cancers by making changes during the delivery of EBRT.
Brachytherapy Plus External-Beam Radiation Therapy Provides Impressive Long-Term Results for Early Prostate Cancer (1/22/2007)
Researchers from the Seattle Prostate Cancer Institute have reported that the combination of brachytherapy plus external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) provides low rates of cancer recurrences at 15 years following treatment for early (T1-3) prostate cancer.
Provenge® Granted Priority Review for Prostate Cancer (1/18/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review status to Dendreon Corporation’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for Provenge (sipuleucel-T).
Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer Improves Survival in Elderly Men (1/17/2007)
Researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center have reported that 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. The details of this report appeared in the December 13, 2006, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Hormone Therapy for Early Prostate Cancer Provides Effective Long-Term Palliation (12/8/2006)
Researchers from Japan have reported that hormone therapy for early or locally advanced prostate cancer (T1c-T3) results in good long-term disease control in most patients.
Aggressive Treatment of PSA Recurrences After Primary Treatment Is Promising (12/6/2006)
Researchers from the Dana-Farber Cancer Center have reported that an initial regimen of Taxotere®, (docetaxel), Emyct® (estramustine) and androgen suppression therapy (ADT) for treatment of patients with PSA relapse following prostatectomy or radiotherapy was effective and well tolerated.
Provenge®, Activated Cellular Immunotherapy, Shows Promise for Treatment of Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer (12/5/2006)
Researchers involved in a multicenter trial have reported that Provenge® (Sipuleucel-T) may improve the survival of patients with asymptomatic metastatic androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPC) when compared to patients receiving a placebo.
Calypso® 4D Localization System May Improve Efficacy of External Beam Radiotherapy (12/1/2006)
At the 2006 meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in November there were 10 abstracts presented that describe a new system for measuring and monitoring organ motion in real time during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).
PSA Screening in Elderly Men Is Excessive (11/16/2006)
Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco have reported that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in men over the age of 70 years with limited life expectancies is higher than recommended practice.
Adjuvant Radiotherapy May Be of Benefit for Advanced Prostate Cancer (11/16/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group have reported that adjuvant radiotherapy reduced the risk of PSA relapse and disease occurrence but did not affect overall survival in men with advanced (pT3 NO MO) prostate cancer undergoing prostatectomy.
BLA Submitted for Provenge® (11/15/2006)
Dendreon has submitted the final portion of the biologics license application (BLA) to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its immunotherapeutic agent Provenge (sipuleucel-T). Dendreon has also requested priority review designation for Provenge.
Obesity Increases Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer (11/10/2006)
Researchers Involved in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial have reported that obesity increases the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer and decreases the risk of developing low-grade prostate cancer.
Adjuvant Anti-Androgen Therapy and Radiation Therapy Improves Progression-Free Survival in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer (10/11/2006)
Researchers from Italy have reported that pooled analyses of seven randomized studies indicate that the addition of anti-androgen therapy to radiation therapy improves progression-free survival among patients with locally advanced prostate cancer.
Good Long-Term Results Reported for High Dose Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer (9/12/2006)
Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Cente have reported excellent results for high dose intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for localized prostate cancer with a median follow-up of 7 years.
Clinical Trials Evaluating GVAX in Prostate Cancer Now Enrolling Patients (9/7/2006)
Two clinical trials evaluating the immunotherapy agent GVAX for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) are currently enrolling patients.
Further Evidence that NSAIDS May Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer (9/6/2006)
Two recent articles published online in the American Journal of Epidemiology confirm that daily users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAISDs) may have a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Risk Factors for Failure of Salvage Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Defined (8/11/2006)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that the presence of seminal vesicle involvement and a high Gleason score are adverse risk factors following salvage radiotherapy for PSA failure following radical prostatectomy.
Zometa® May Prevent Bone Loss Associated With Androgen Suppression for Prostate Cancer (8/9/2006)
Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University, the University of Chicago and Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine have reported that Zometa (zoledronic acid) may prevent bone loss associated with androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) for prostate cancer without metastases when started during the first year of therapy.
Scientists Hypothesize ‘Lance Armstrong Effect’ of Hyperthermia in Cancer Cure (7/28/2006)
Three scientists from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have suggested that patients with advanced testicular cancer are more frequently cured with chemotherapy than other cancers because these cancers are more sensitive to heat. This increased sensitivity to heat is purported to be due to the cooler temperature of normal testes due to being outside the body.
Hemoglobin Decline Predicts Outcome in Metastatic Prostate Cancer (7/28/2006)
Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University have reported that a decline in hemoglobin values 3 months after starting androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for metastatic prostate cancer was associated with a shorter survival than in patients without such a decline.
Intermittent Androgen Suppression an Acceptable Alternative for Treatment of Recurrent Prostate Cancer (7/11/2006)
Researchers from Canada have reported that intermittent androgen suppression (IAS) is effective palliation for men who have a biochemical recurrence after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer.
Pomegranate Juice May Have Activity in Prostate Cancer (7/7/2006)
Researchers from the University of California at Los Angeles have reported that regular intake of pomegranate juice may prolong the doubling time of men with a rising PSA after surgery or radiation for prostate cancer.
GVAX® Plus Ipilimumab Provide Promising Activity in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (6/4/2006)
Researchers from Amsterdam have reported encouraging results with the treatment combination consisting of GVAX and Ipilimumab (MDX-010) for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. These results from a phase I study were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
EPCA Plus PSA Highly Accurate in Detecting Prostate Cancer (6/1/2006)
According to results recently presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA), the new prostate cancer marker, EPCA, in addition to the standard prostate cancer marker, PSA, is highly accurate in detecting prostate cancer.
Men With Prostate Cancer Aged 75 or Older May Not Benefit from Aggressive Treatment (5/31/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study have reported that aggressive treatment of prostate cancer in men over the age of 75 years was associated with significant decreases in quality of life measurements and little survival benefit.
GVAX® Improves Survival in Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (5/24/2006)
Researchers have reported that the investigative immunotherapy agent GVAX improves predicted survival time with little toxicity in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). These results from two phase II trials were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).
Higher Radiation Dose Reduces Biochemical Recurrences in Prostate Cancer (5/9/2006)
Researchers from the Netherlands have reported that higher radiation doses reduce the rate of cancer progression at five years among men with early prostate cancer.
Genetic Marker Linked to Increased Prostate Cancer Risk (5/8/2006)
Researchers from Iceland, Sweden and the United States and thehave reported that allele-8 of the microsatellite DG8S737 on chromosome 8q24 was associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer.
Osteoporosis Begins Early After Androgen Suppression for Prostate Cancer (4/18/2006)
Researchers from Barcelona, Spain, have reported that men treated with uninterrupted androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have significant loss of bone mineral density in the first 24 months after starting therapy.
Ninety Percent of Prostate Cancers Detected by PSA Screening are Deemed Clinically Significant (3/24/2006)
Researchers from Northwestern University have reported that prostate specific antigen (PSA) screen-detected prostate cancers are usually clinically significant. The details of this study appeared in the March 2006 issue of the Journal of Urology.
Taxol® and Paraplatin® Superior to Novantrone® for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (3/10/2006)
Researchers from France have reported that the combination of Taxol (paclitaxel) and Paraplatin (carboplatin) is superior to Novantrone (mitoxantrone) for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer.
'Androgen Deprivation Syndrome' May Be Due to Factors Other than Androgen Deprivation (3/9/2006)
Researchers from the University of Texas at Galveston have reported that depressive, cognitive and constitutional disorders are not due to androgen deprivation specifically but occur because patients receiving androgen deprivation are older, have more advanced cancers and have more co-morbid conditions.
Surgeon Experience Affects Outcomes Following Prostatectomy (3/8/2006)
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.
Early Intervention Improves Survival Compared with Watchful Waiting in Early Prostate Cancer (3/3/2006)
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.
Statin Use May Lower Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer (1/19/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, have reported that statin use lowers the incidence of total prostate cancer and more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Does PSA Screening Improve Survival? (1/13/2006)
Researchers affiliated with 10 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers have published the results of a large study which suggests that PSA (prostate specific antigen) screening and digital rectal examination (DRE) does not improve survival.
Intermittent Androgen Ablation Decreases Side Effects in Men with Prostate Cancer (12/14/2005)
Researchers suggest that intermittent androgen ablation (IAA) is effective in patients with biochemical failure after pelvic radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer.
Obesity Increases Probability of Recurrence After Prostatectomy (12/14/2005)
Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco have reported that men with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or higher have a 69% greater risk of prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy than normal-weight men.
Zometa® Reduces and Recovers Bone Loss from Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Prostate Cancer (11/14/2005)
A multicenter U.S. randomized double-blind study has demonstrated that Zometa® (zoledronic acid) reduces bone loss and recovers bone loss associated with androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Men With Screen Detected Prostate Cancer Have More Indolent Recurrences (11/2/2005)
Researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and several U.S. academic medical centers have concluded that men diagnosed with prostate cancer by annual PSA (prostate specific antigen) screening are more likely to have indolent recurrences after radical prostatectomy than men diagnosed in the community without screening.
Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Effective for T3 Prostate Cancer (10/31/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group have reported that adjuvant radiation decreases recurrences following radical prostatectomy for T3 prostate cancer.
Effects of Co-morbidity and Age on 30-Day Mortality from Radical Prostatectomy Defined (10/27/2005)
Researchers from Canada have reported that the risk of mortality after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer is related more to significant co-morbidities than to age.
Long-Term Androgen Deprivation Associated with Improved Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients with High PSA Levels (10/20/2005)
Researchers from British Columbiahave reported that 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 present with a prostate-specific antigen level of 20 or higher.
Obesity Confirmed as an Adverse Risk Factor for Progression After Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer (10/13/2005)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that obesity is an adverse risk factor for prostate cancer recurrence after prostatectomy.
Test for Auto-Antibodies to Prostate Tissue May Be Better than PSA Screening for Prostate Cancer (9/22/2005)
Researchers from the University of Michigan have reported that auto-antibodies against peptides derived from prostate-cancer tissue can be used to screen patients for prostate cancer.
Annual Testing Not Necessary for Men with PSA Levels Below 1.0 ng/mL (9/19/2005)
Researchers from Sweden have reported that men with prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels less than 1 ng/mL can be tested every three years instead of annually.
Radiation Therapy Effective for Post-Surgery PSA Increase (9/16/2005)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that radiation therapy, with or without hormonal therapy, for men with biochemical failure following prostatectomy was effective salvage therapy. They reported that 84% of men with favorable characteristics and 62% with unfavorable characteristics had 5 year control of PSA.
High-Dose Radiation Therapy Improves Outcomes of Localized Prostate Cancer (9/14/2005)
Researchers from Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Massachusetts General Hospital have reported that men with localized prostate cancer have a lower risk of biochemical failure following high-dose conformal radiation (79.2 GyE) compared with men receiving conventional radiation therapy (70.2 GyE).
Case-Control Study Suggests PSA Screening Decreases Risk of Metastatic Prostate Cancer (8/29/2005)
Researchers from the University of British Columbia have reported that data from a case-control study suggests that screening of asymptomatic men with prostate specific antigen (PSA) was associated with a reduction in the risk of metastatic prostate cancer.
Testosterone Supplementation May Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer (8/18/2005)
Researchers from the University of California at San Diego have reported observations on 20 men who developed prostate cancer after receiving testosterone treatment for sexual dysfunction or “rejuvenation.”
Vaccinia-based Vaccine Shows Promise for Treating Prostate Cancer (8/8/2005)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported progress in developing a recombinant vaccinia-based vaccine for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer in combination with radiation therapy or antiandrogen therapy.
Nurse-Driven Intervention Improves Quality of Life in Men with Prostate Cancer (8/4/2005)
A multi-center randomized trial of a computer-assisted nurse-driven intervention program improved the quality of life of men who had been treated for localized prostate cancer.
PSA Recurrence after Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer: Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer Death Defined (7/27/2005)
Researchers from Johns Hopkins have reported three factors that increase the chance of death from prostate cancer after a PSA recurrence following prostatectomy: PSA doubling time, Gleason score and time from surgery to biochemical recurrence. Researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Center have also reported that a greater than 2.0 ng/ml increase in PSA during the year prior to the diagnosis of prostate cancer is associated with a high risk of death following radiation therapy.
EPCA: A Biomarker for Early Stage Prostate Cancer (7/18/2005)
Researchers from Japan have confirmed that EPCA is a marker protein that may represent early change that occurs in cells during the development of prostate cancer.
Long-Term Low-Dose Aspirin Does Not Prevent Cancer (7/6/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the Women’s Health Study have reported that long-term low-dose aspirin use does not lower the risk of breast, colorectal, or other cancers.
FDA Approves Expanded Access Program for Xinlay™ for Prostate Cancer (6/28/2005)
Abbott Laboratories has announced that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permission to initiate an expanded access program for Xinlay (atrasentan), an endothelin A receptor antagonist, for eligible men with late-stage, hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Progress Reported in Development of Dendritic Cell Vaccine Provenge® (APC8015) for Prostate Cancer (6/10/2005)
Researchers have presented the results of a randomized trial of Provenge in hormone refractory prostate cancer showing a median survival benefit of 4.5 months compared to placebo.[1] A phase II study of Provenge in androgen dependent biochemically relapsed patients also suggested significant activity.[2]
Statins Lower Prostate Specific Antigen Levels in Middle Aged Males Without Prostate Cancer (6/8/2005)
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston have reported that statin use lowers PSA levels in healthy males with a median age of 50 years.
Statin Use Associated with Decreased Incidence of Prostate, Lung and Breast Cancer (5/31/2005)
Three studies were reported at the 2005 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology that suggest statins are active in reducing the risk of developing prostate, lung and breast cancer.
Improved Quality of Life Associated with Xinlay™ Results in Improved Survival and Time to Disease Progression in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (5/27/2005)
According to results recently presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), an improved quality of life achieved with Xinlay™ (atrasentan) in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer is associated with improved outcomes such as overall survival and time to cancer progression.
Xinlay™ Delays Cancer Progression and Bone Pain in Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (5/27/2005)
Results presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), indicate that the selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist Xinlay (atrasentan) delays cancer progression and bone pain in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Analysis Does Not Support Immediate Treatment of Low-Grade Prostate Cancer (5/26/2005)
Researchers from the University of Connecticut have reported that men with low grade localized prostate cancer are unlikely to benefit from early aggressive therapy.
Pomegranate Juice May Slow Prostate Cancer Growth (5/25/2005)
Researchers from California have reported that regular intake of pomegranate juice can increase the doubling time of men with a rising PSA after surgery or radiation for prostate cancer.
Provenge® Improves Survival in Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (5/18/2005)
Results from a phase III trial indicate that the immune-stimulating vaccine Provenge (APC 8015) improves survival in asymptomatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Adjuvant Radiation Reduces Biochemical Relapse in Patients with pT3 Prostate (5/17/2005)
Researchers from Germany recently reported that radiation therapy following prostatectomy reduces biochemical relapse in patients with pT3 prostate cancer.
Taxotere® Evaluated for Treatment of Hormone-Dependent Prostate Cancer. (5/8/2005)
Researchers from the University of Medicine and Denistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School have reported that Taxotere® (docetaxel) is well tolerated and effective in men with PSA progression after completion of local therapy.
French Study Confirms Effectiveness of Taxotere®, Estramustine for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer. (5/2/2005)
Researchers from France have reported that a regimen of Taxotere® (docetaxel), estramustine and prednisone is superior to a regimen of mitoxantrone plus prednisone for treatment of men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Radiation for Prostate Cancer Increases Risk of Developing Rectal Cancer (4/19/2005)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have concluded that radiation therapy for prostate cancer increases the risk of rectal cancer compared to surgery. The details of this report appeared in the April 2005 issue of Gastroenterology.
Cryosurgery May Be Effective for High-Risk Early Prostate Cancer (4/13/2005)
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.
Long-term Follow-up Confirms Survival Benefit of Adjuvant Anti-androgen Therapy in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer (4/8/2005)
Researchers associated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) have reported the results of a randomized phase III trial (RTOG study 85-31) which showed a survival benefit with the addition of hormone therapy to radiation for unfavorable prognosis prostate cancer.
FDA to Review New Drug Application for Xinlay™ for Prostate Cancer (3/16/2005)
Abbot announced on February 11, 2005 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would file a New Drug Application (NDA) for its oral agent Xinlay™ (atrasentan) for treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Modified Taxotere® Regimen Effective for Advanced Prostate Cancer (2/24/2005)
Researchers from Greece have reported that a modified regimen of Taxotere® (docetaxel), estramustine and zoledronic acid is effective, with a good safety profile for men with advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The details of this report appeared in the January 2005 issue of Urology.
Prostate Cancer Vaccine (Provenge®) Improves Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer (2/23/2005)
The Dendreon Corportation announced that Provenge® was associated with a median survival benefit of 4.5 months in a phase 3 study in advanced prostate cancer. This study will be presented later this month at the 2005 Multidisciplinary Prostate Cancer Symposium and at the 2005 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Irofulven is Active against Metastatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (2/14/2005)
A phase II study has shown that the new compound Irofulven (hydroxymethylacylfulvene) produces responses in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The details of this clinical trial appeared in the February 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Men on Androgen Deprivation Therapy Not Receiving Adequate Screening or Treatment for Osteoporosis (1/26/2005)
A Study from Loyola University suggests that men with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are not adequately evaluated or treated for osteoporosis. The details of this retrospective study appeared in the January 15 issue of Cancer.
Androgen Deprivation for Prostate Cancer Increases Bone Fractures (1/19/2005)
Researchers from the University of Texas at Galveston have reported that men receiving androgen deprivation and surviving at least 5 years after diagnosis had a fracture rate of 19.4% compared to 12.6% for comparable men not receiving such therapy.
Anti-Endothelin A Receptor Antagonist (Atrasentan, Xinlay™) Delays Disease Progression in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer (1/18/2005)
Researchers from the U.S., Canada, Belgium, and the UK have reported that atrasentan (Xinlay™), an endothelin A receptor antagonist, slowed progression of prostate cancer, including progression to bone, and produced a small improvement in quality of life. These results were reported at the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology held in New Orleans LA, June 5-8, 2004.
Response of Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer to Taxotere® Not Limited to Specific Risk Groups (11/22/2004)
Researchers participating in the TAX 327 study comparing Taxotere® and prednisone to mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone-refractory prostate cancer reported an update of this study at the 2004 meeting of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). The results of this multi-center international study appeared in the October 7, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Higher Doses of Conformal Radiation More Effective for Localized Prostate Cancer (10/14/2004)
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. These results were reported in the plenary session of the 46th annual meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) held in Atlanta GA, Oct 3-7, 2004.
Docetaxel Improves Outcomes of Patients with Advanced Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (10/11/2004)
A multi-center international study has concluded that a regimen of docetaxel plus prednisone was superior to a regimen of mitoxantrone plus prednisone for the treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. This study appeared in the October 7, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. In the same issue of the NEJM, a multi-center U.S. clinical trial concluded that docetaxel and estramustine improved survival of patients with advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer when compared to the standard regimen of mitoxantrone and prednisone.
Red Wine Consumption May Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer (9/23/2004)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported that the consumption of red wine (but not beer or liquor) decreased the incidence of prostate cancer. This analysis appeared in an advanced online publication of the International Journal of Cancer.
8 Months of Neoadjuvant Androgen Suppression not Better than 3 Months for Prostate Cancer (9/14/2004)
Researchers from Canada have reported the results of a randomized trial of 8 months versus 3 months of neoadjuvant androgen suppression prior to radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. They report that the longer period of androgen suppression before radiation therapy did not appear to alter the outcomes of most patients with localized prostate cancer compared to the shorter period of administration. The details of this report appeared in the September 2004 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics.
Y-J591 May Be Effective for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (9/9/2004)
Researchers from Cornell University have performed a Phase I study of a prostate-specific membrane antigen monoclonal antibody linked to Yttrium 90 (Y-J591) for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The details of this study were published in the July 1, 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Androgen Suppression plus Radiation Improves Survival of Patients with Prostate Cancer (8/20/2004)
Researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Center have reported that the use of androgen deprivation as neoadjuvant therapy, concomitant with radiation therapy and as adjuvant therapy improves survival of patients with localized prostate cancer compared to radiation therapy alone. The details of this report appeared in the August 18, 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Doxil® Effective for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (8/11/2004)
In a phase II study, researchers from Germany have evaluated two dose schedules of single agent pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®, Caelyx®) for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. They concluded that Doxil® was active and that “the dosage tested in the current study should be used in future phase II and phase III trials of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-containing combination regimes.” The details of this report appeared as an advanced online publication in Cancer on July 27, 2004.
Surgery vs Radiation for Prostate Cancer with Follow-up Until Death: Survival Better after Surgery (7/26/2004)
Researchers from Cancer Care Northwest in Spokane, Washington have reported a better survival in patients failing radical prostatectomy than for similar patients failing radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. The details of this report appeared in the August 2004 issue of the Journal of Urology.
Preoperative Rate of PSA Rise Predicts Success of Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer (7/14/2004)
Researchers from Harvard University have reported that an annual rise in PSA of more than 2.0 ng per milliliter was associated with an increased risk of death in men undergoing radical prostatectomy and was is independent of other predictive risk factors. The details of this report appeared in the July 8, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine .
Taxotere®-Based Regimens Improve Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer (6/10/2004)
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.
Long-Term Zometa™ Prevents Skeletal Complications in Men with Prostate Cancer (6/4/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the Zolendronic Acid Prostate Study Group have presented a 24 month follow-up of a clinical trial which randomly allocated men with bone metastases from prostate cancer to receive Zometa™ or placebo.
Twenty Year Follow-Up of Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer Shows Continuous Recurrences (5/19/2004)
Among 136 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy, researchers observed a continuous rate of recurrence after a median follow-up of 22.9 years. This evaluation was conducted by researchers from:
Higher Selenium Levels May Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer (5/11/2004)
Researchers associated with the Physicians’ Health Study have reported that low levels of plasma selenium are associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. The details of this report appeared in the May 5, 2004 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer (4/21/2004)
Researchers from Spain have reported 30% and 35% reduction in the risk of prostate cancer in men who regularly took aspirin or acetaminophen, respectively. This report appeared in the April 2004 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.
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New Test May Help Diagnose Prostate Cancer in Patients with Elevated PSA, but a Negative Biopsy (4/5/2004)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have reported that staining of prostate tissue for a prostate cancer marker called EPCA (Tessera Diagnostics Inc., Seattle, WA) can detect prostate cancer earlier than by histology. This report was published in the April 1, 2004 issue of the
Journal of Urology.
Radiation Therapy Effective for Salvage Treatment of Patients Who Fail Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer (3/17/2004)
Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering, University of Texas-Southwestern, Cleveland Clinic, University of Florida, and Baylor College of Medicine have reported that 50% of patients treated with salvage therapy after failing prostatectomy were alive without progression of disease with a median follow-up of almost 4 years. The details of this study were reported in the March 17, 2004 issue of the
Journal of the American Medical Association.
Obesity Adversely Affects Outcomes of Surgery for Prostate Cancer (2/13/2004)
Two reports in the February 1, 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that obese patients undergoing radical prostatectomy had worse outcomes than normal weight individuals.
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Radiofrequency Ablation Used to Treat Painful Bone Metastasis (1/30/2004)
European and US researchers have reported that treatment with percutaneous image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can result in significant palliation of painful bone lesions. The details of this report appeared in the January 15, 2004 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Older Patients are Over Tested for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) (12/10/2003)
Researchers from HealthStat (Princeton), the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Toronto), and the Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Center (NJ) have reported that men over the age of 75 years are being tested for PSA more frequently than is required, leading to increased costs as well as creating confusion about positive tests. The results of this study appeared in the December 3, 2003 issue of the Journal
of the National Cancer Institute.
Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer May Benefit from Long-Term androgen Deprivation in Addition to Radiation Therapy (11/6/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the Radiation Oncology Study Group (RTOG) have reported benefit from adjuvant long-term androgen deprivation (LTAD) in patients treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). The results of this cooperative group randomized trial were published in the November 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Intermittent Androgen Suppression Feasible in Men with Prostate Cancer who Fail Radiation Therapy (10/27/2003)
Researchers from the Ottawa Regional Cancer Center have reported that intermittent androgen suppression (IAS) “is a feasible option for recurrent prostate cancer” following radiation therapy. They report that “IAS is associated with recovery of testosterone function in the majority of patients with resultant recovery of sexual function in approximately half of patients.” They also reported significant cost savings compared to continuous androgen suppression. These results were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) on October 21 2003 in Salt Lake City.
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Statin Use Associated with Improved Outcome Of Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer (10/21/2003)
Researchers from Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have reported that men with localized prostate cancer taking statins have an improved PSA control compared to patients with similar stages of disease and identical radiation treatment not taking statins These results were reported at the 45th Annual American Society for Therapeutic radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) meeting in Salt Lake City.
European Study Shows Screening Interval of 4 Years Detects Most Prostate Cancers (10/14/2003)
A large European study showed that few prostate cancers were missed with a 4-year screening interval for men ages 55-74 years. The details of this report were published in the October 2003 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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Weekly Taxotere® Provides Effective Palliation for Symptomatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer (10/8/2003)
Researchers from France have reported that weekly
Taxotere® provides clinical benefit with low toxicity for patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer, half of whom had also received other chemotherapy. The results of this study were reported in the October 15, 2003 issue of
Cancer.
Zoledronic Acid Reduces Angiogenic Factors in Blood (9/5/2003)
Researchers from Italy reported in the August 2003 issue of
Clinical Cancer Research that zolenronic acid (Zometa®) reduces circulating blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in patients with cancer.
Computer Modeling May Assist in Making Decisions Regarding Treatment for Older Men with Prostate Cancer (9/4/2003)
Researchers from the University of Toronto have suggested that age alone should not be used to determine treatment of older patients with localized prostate cancer. Using computer modeling, they demonstrate that older patients with more aggressive tumors are likely to benefit from radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy rather than from the current practice of watchful waiting. The details of this report were published in the September 1 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Systematic Review Supports Use of Bisphosphonates for Metastatic Osteolytic Cancers (8/29/2003)
Based on a meta-analysis of 30 randomized studies that evaluated bisphosphonates in patients with bone metastasis, researchers from the UK concluded that bisphosphonates decrease skeletal morbidity in patients with bone metastasis but without an improvement in survival. These results were published in the August 30, 2003 issue of the British Medical Journal.
Frequent Masturbation in Early Adulthood May Protect Against Prostate Cancer (7/31/2003)
Australian researchers have reported that men who had more frequent non-intercourse ejaculations between the ages of 20 and 50 years have a lower incidence of prostate cancer. They reported these findings in the July 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Urology International.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Improved by Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (7/16/2003)
In the July 2003 issue of the
Journal of Urology, French researchers have determined that the ability of endorectal ultrasound to detect prostate cancer and direct biopsies can be improved by the injection of contrast during the procedure.
Zinc Supplements May Increase the Incidence of Prostate Cancer (7/2/2003)
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health and Harvard Medical School have reported that high supplementation with zinc, more than 100 mg/day, increased the incidence of prostate cancer in men by more than 2-fold. Zinc supplementation of 100 mg/day or lower did not increase the risk of prostate cancer. These results were published in the July 2, 2003 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Long-Term Administration of Finasteride Reduces the Incidence of Prostate Cancer (7/1/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group reported in the July 17, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine that treatment with finasteride for 7 years reduced the incidence of prostate cancer by approximately 25%.
Avastin™ Can Be Combined with Taxotere¬ and Emcyt¬ for the Treatment of Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (6/30/2003)
At the 2003 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, researchers from the several major medical centers presented the results of a phase II study of bevacizumab (Avastin®), Taxotere®, and Emcyt® for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. This addition of Avastin® to Taxotere® and Emcyt® did not appear to significantly increase toxicities. Whether or not Avastin® will improve upon the efficacy of Taxotere® and Emcyt® remains to be determined.
Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles Improve MRI Identification of Prostate Cancer in Lymph Nodes (6/23/2003)
Researchers from from Massachusets General Hospital and the University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands reported that a new MRI technique improved accuracy of identifying cancerous lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer. These findings were published in the June 19, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
Long-Term Follow-Up Supports Adjuvant Androgen Suppression and Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer (6/19/2003)
At the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, researchers affiliated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group presented the long-term results of a randomized trial comparing radiation therapy alone to radiation therapy and adjuvant androgen suppression in men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The results demonstrate that hormone therapy (goserlein) following radiation therapy improved outcomes compared to later delivery of hormone therapy.
A Randomized Trial of Direct Decompressive Surgical Resection in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Compression Caused by Metastasis (6/5/2003)
A multicenter trial, directed by Dr. Patchell from the University of Kentucky, has determined that patients with non-hematologic metastatic tumors causing spinal cord compression have better outcomes with immediate surgery than with radiation therapy. They reported these findings at a plenary session of the 39th annual meeting of the American Society of Oncology in Chicago in June of 2003.
Pelvic Radiation Therapy and Neoadjuvant Hormonal Therapy Benefits Men with High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer (5/20/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group reported that men with apparent localized prostate cancer but at intermediate or high-risk of relapse benefit from whole pelvic radiation therapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. They reported these findings in the May 15, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Zometa® Decreases Bone Loss in Prostate Cancer Patients (5/7/2003)
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and 5 other medical institutions in the US have shown that the administration of Zometa® (zoledronic acid) to patients with localized prostate cancer can decrease osteoporosis. This study was published in the June issue of the
Journal of Urology.
Neoadjuvant Taxotere® Estramustine Feasibility Trial Reported in Men with Prostate Cancer (4/3/2003)
In the March 2003 issue of
Urology, researchers concluded that “Induction docetaxel and estramustine is well tolerated and feasible in patients with newly diagnosed, high-risk prostate cancer. This combination is active; however, its efficacy relative to hormonal therapy will require a controlled randomized trial”.
Prostate Mortality Decline Likely Due to PSA Testing (3/10/2003)
Currently, there is a randomized trial to determine if periodic testing for prostate specific antigen (PSA) improves survival over no screening. The PSA test was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for monitoring prostate cancer recurrence in 1986. In 1994, approval was extended to screening for the presence of prostate cancer. However, the utility of this test in improving survival has never been documented.
High-Dose Conformal Brachytherapy Boost Improves Outcome of Men with High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer (2/17/2003)
Treatment choices for patients with localized prostate cancer include radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy or combinations of these modalities. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of patients with localized prostate cancer. There are risk factors for a poor outcome following any of these treatments and these include: PSA level greater than 10/ng/mL, Gleason score greater than 6 and a higher clinical grade.
Large Volume Surgeons More Successful at Prostatectomy (2/11/2003)
Previous studies have suggested that complex surgical procedures, such as prostatectomy, performed in large-volume hospitals are associated with better results and lower death rates than the same procedures performed in low-volume hospitals. In the April 2002 issue of
The New England Journal of Medicine, investigators from the Health Outcomes Research Group, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Applied Research Branch, National Cancer Institute evaluated complications of prostatectomy as related to hospital volume. These researchers reported that for “men undergoing prostatectomy, the rates of postoperative and late urinary complications are significantly reduced if the procedure is performed in a high-volume hospital and by a surgeon who performs a high number of such procedures”.
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However, in this study, there were no differences in mortality. The researchers concluded that both hospital and surgeon volume were important in determining outcome of prostatectomy, with a wide range in the complication rate between surgeons who perform high-volume surgery. This suggests that some experienced surgeons perform more “complete” prostatectomies leading to more complications.
High Fish Diet Lowers the Incidence of Prostate Cancer (1/29/2003)
Although the cause or causes of prostate cancer are not currently known, environmental factors are generally thought to be more important than genetic factors. In the U.S., the incidence of prostate cancer increases dramatically with increasing age. It is unusual for prostate cancer to occur in men under the age of 50. Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 55, with the average age at diagnosis being 70. The risk of prostate cancer increases exponentially after age 50. In fact, by the age of 60, as many as 34% of men show early evidence of prostate cancer, whereas 70% of men in their 80s have the disease.
Calcitriol May Improve Anti-Tumor Effects of Taxotere® in Men with Hormone Independent Prostate Cancer (1/10/2003)
Calcitriol or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D) is known primarily for its effects on bone and mineral metabolism. However, there is some epidemiological evidence that shows that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Calcitriol is also an anti-proliferative agent active against a variety of cancer cells in vitro. Most of the in vitro studies have focused on prostate cancer cells. One of the activities of calcitriol is to increase apoptosis. Initial clinical trials suggested that calcitriol as a single agent could slow the rate of PSA increase in relapsed patients with the main side effect being hypercalcemia. In vitro studies have also suggested that calcitriol can increase the cell kill of chemotherapeutic agents.
Radiation Therapy Effective for Men with Prostate Cancer Who Relapse After Prostatectomy (1/7/2003)
Localized prostate cancer can be treated with radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy. Results of treatment with these three modalities are roughly equivalent. Following each form of treatment, some patients will experience disease recurrence and require further treatment. For patients who have failed radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy is often the first choice of treatment. In the January 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Urology International, French researchers have reported the outcomes of patients receiving radiation therapy following failure of prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.
Allium Vegetables may Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer (11/15/2002)
Consumption of garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, and chives (allium vegetables) has been inconsistently reported to protect against stomach and colorectal cancers. The purported protective effect may be related to organosulfur compounds, which inhibit carcinogenesis and have been shown to inhibit cancers of the stomach, esophagus, colon, mammary gland and lung of experimental animals. The exact mechanisms of the cancer-preventive effects are not clear, although several hypotheses have been proposed. Organosulfur compounds modulate the activity of several metabolizing enzymes that activate (cytochrome P450s) or detoxify (glutathione S-transferases) carcinogens and inhibit the formation of DNA adducts in several target tissues. Antiproliferative activity has been described in several tumor cell lines, which is possibly mediated by induction of apoptosis and alterations of the cell cycle. Allium vegetables and organosulfur compounds are thus possible cancer-preventive agents. In the November 15, 2002 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Chinese investigators have reported that a diet high in allium vegetables is associated with a lower incidence of localized prostate cancer.
Osteoporosis and Obesity are the Main Side Effects of Androgen Deprivation for Prostate Cancer (11/15/2002)
Prostate carcinoma is the most common malignancy occurring among American men. There is ongoing controversy over whether or not men benefit from early diagnosis and treatment compared to treatment when they are symptomatic. Early prostate cancer is typically treated with surgery, external beam radiation or brachytherapy. Men with advanced or metastatic disease are treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). There is reasonably good evidence that ADT has improved survival of men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer with a current 5-year survival rate of approximately 20%. The consequence of ADT is hypogonadism, which leads to impotence, hot flashes, cardiovascular morbidity and osteoporosis. In order to better understand the consequences of ADT, researchers from the University of Arizona measured bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in 62 men with localized but not metastatic prostate cancer. They compared their findings to age matched control patients with a normal PSA. The results of this study were reported in the November 15, 2002 issue of
Cancer.
Randomized Trial Documents Higher Response Rate for Novantrone® But No Improvement in Survival For Men with Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (11/12/2002)
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Most men with advanced prostate cancer progress to a hormone-resistant condition. With the presently available therapeutic options, the median survival is less than one year in patients with hormone refractory disease. Treatment options at this stage of illness are often limited by co-morbid conditions. Some men with hormone refractory prostate cancer respond to prednisone alone but more appear to respond to the combination of Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) and prednisone. This regimen is reasonably well tolerated and has become the standard treatment regimen. Recent studies suggest that combination chemotherapy is more effective than single-agent chemotherapy. The most active drugs in men with hormone refractory prostate cancer appear to be alkylating agents (estramustine), the taxanes (paclitaxel and Taxotere®) and platinum compounds, especially Paraplatin®. Although there are clearly more objective responses to combination chemotherapy, many men will not be suitable candidates for aggressive multi-agent chemotherapy and it is still useful to know the palliative benefits of less aggressive therapies.
A Regimen of Paclitaxel, Estramustine and Paraplatin® is Very Effective for Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (11/11/2002)
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Most men with advanced prostate cancer progress to a hormone-resistant condition. With the presently available therapeutic options, the median survival is less than one year in patients with hormone refractory disease. Treatment options at this stage of illness are extremely limited with the standard therapy being a combination of Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) and prednisone. However, recent studies suggest that the combination of Taxotere® (docetaxel), estramustine and prednisone is superior to the combination of Novantrone® and prednisone. A third class of drugs, the platinum compounds, is also active in the treatment of men with hormone refractory prostate cancer with a single agent response rate of approximately 20% for Paraplatin®. These observations prompted Japanese researchers to test a three drug combination for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. The researchers reported that a regimen of paclitaxel, estramustine and Paraplatin® results in a high response rate in men previously untreated and in men previously treated with cytotoxic agents. They reported their findings in the December 2002 issue of The Journal of Urology.
Taxotere®-Estramustine Regimen May Be Best Current Regimen for Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (11/4/2002)
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Most men with advanced prostate cancer progress to a hormone-resistant condition. With the presently available therapeutic options, the median survival is less than one year in patients with hormone refractory disease. Treatment options at this stage of illness are extremely limited with the standard therapy being a combination of Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) and prednisone. The drug that has received the most attention over the past several years for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer has been Taxotere® (docetaxel). Phase II studies of
Taxotere® (docetaxel), estramustine and prednisone have shown significant activity in men with refractory prostate cancer. French investigators have compared 2 different dosing regimens of the drug combination of Taxotere®, estramustine and prednisone with the more standard regimen of Novantrone® and prednisone. They concluded that both dose schedules of the Taxotere® regimen were superior to treatment with Novantrone® and prednisone. They reported their most recent analysis at the 27th annual meeting (2002) of the European Society of Clinical Oncology. These data were presented in preliminary form at the Annual 2002 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Screening with Prostate Specific Antigen May Not Decrease Prostate Cancer Deaths (10/15/2002)
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing is becoming routine after the age of 50-55. The PSA test was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986 as a way to monitor prostate cancer progression, but since 1988 it has also been used as a screening test, despite the fact that there is no clear evidence that such screening improves survival. Randomized controlled trials to address the issue of efficacy of screening are ongoing, but the results of these trials are several years away. While awaiting the results of randomized trials, there have been several attempts to evaluate the effects of PSA screening on survival and other parameters.
Zometa™ Reduces and Delays New Bone Lesions in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer (10/3/2002)
Zometa™ (zoledronic acid) is a biphosphonate that is approved by the FDA for treatment of cancer-related hypercalcemia. Although the exact mechanism through which zoledronic acid works is not fully understood, results of recent research indicate that Zometa™ inhibits osteoclastic activity and directly induces the death of osteoclasts. In addition, Zometa™ is thought to actually bind to the bone and cartilage, blocking osteoclastic action.
Early Prostatectomy Decreases Deaths From Prostate Cancer without Affecting Overall survival at 6-8 Years of Follow-up (9/12/2002)
Men with early-stage prostate cancer have the option of being treated with radiation therapy, surgery, or no therapy until symptoms appear (watchful waiting). The choice of early intervention is difficult, as there is no clear proof that early treatment prolongs survival compared to treatment when symptoms from prostate cancer progress. This is predominantly because prostate cancer occurs in older individuals who die of inter-current illness before they die of prostate cancer. There are several randomized U.S. clinical trials underway to address this issue, predominantly in men who have the diagnosis of prostate cancer made on the basis of PSA screening and biopsies and who are asymptomatic.
The Herbal Supplement, PC-SPES, Used for Treating Prostate Cancer Contains Variable Amounts of Synthetic Drugs (9/5/2002)
PC-SPES is an herbal mixture used to treat prostate cancer that has recently been recalled. The
PC in the name is for prostate cancer and the
spes is spanish and latin for hope. It is unknown how many prostate cancer patients have taken this drug or are currently buying it from other countries. PC-SPES is supposed to contain seven medicinal herbs and saw palmetto. However, one patient taking PC-SPES was found to have the anticoagulant warfarin in his blood. Warfarin is most frequently used as rat poison. There are several published studies which suggest that PC-SPES may have activity for treating prostate cancer and researchers have been curious about the actual ingredients of the herbal compound. It has been known for some time that substances in PC-SPES have estrogenic and thrombotic activity. Researchers from UC San Diego have now found that various lots of PC-SPES contain diethylstilbesterol, indomethacin and warfarin. They published their results in the September 4, 2002 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Surgical Removal of Prostate May Be of Benefit in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer (9/3/2002)
Men with metastatic prostate cancer are usually treated with androgen deprivation and more recently with chemotherapy. As a generality, men who present with metastatic prostate cancer do not receive specific treatment to the primary cancer. The observation that patients with metastatic renal cancer benefited from removal of the primary cancer prompted researchers affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group to look at whether previous prostatectomy had any impact on the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Their findings published in the September 2002 issue of
The Journal of Urology suggested that previous removal of the prostate improved survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Radiation Therapy and Surgery Result in Equivalent Results For Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer (9/3/2002)
The two competing treatments for localized prostate cancer are surgery and radiation therapy. Many studies have suggested that the optimal implementation of either modality produces equivalent results. There are however, conflicting results about the relative morbidity of each procedure especially as related to urinary and sexual dysfunction. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation have concluded that there are no obvious differences between the two approaches for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Their results were published in the August 15, 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Men Younger Than Age 60 May Have More Aggressive Prostate Cancer (8/13/2002)
Younger women with breast cancer have more aggressive cancers than older post-menopausal women. The same thing may also be true for younger men with prostate cancer. Researchers at the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported a higher relapse rate following standard radiation therapy for men under the age of 60 with localized prostate cancer compared to older men. They reported these results in the August 2002 issue of the
Journal of Urology.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer (8/1/2002)
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a relatively new way of delivering radiation that theoretically delivers more radiation to cancers, while delivering less radiation to normal tissues than conventional three-dimensional conformal radiation (3D-CRT). IMRT emerged through improvements and a decrease in the cost of server type computers, the development of multi-leaf collimators with multiple tungsten shields, which allowed the delivery of radiation through multiple ports (often referred to as “beamlets”) and the development of software that combined computerized tomography (CT) or other imaging of the cancer with control of the radiation delivered. The equipment allows for intensity modulation of the radiation beam during treatment. This is accomplished by the computer telling the machine to shield or not shield various ports with the tungsten shields. Theoretically, IMRT should allow the delivery of more radiation to the tumor while sparing normal tissues.
Androgen Suppression During and Following Radiation Therapy Decreases Recurrences and Improves Survival of Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer (7/23/2002)
Men with localized prostate cancer can often be cured with radiation therapy alone. Men with certain risk factors such as a high Gleason score, spread of cancer outside the prostate and lymph node involvement have a high recurrence rate even if all detectable cancer is radiated. There are several clinical trials, randomized and non-randomized, which suggest that the results of radiation therapy can be improved with androgen suppression before, during and/or after radiation therapy. Researchers affiliated with the European Organization for Research for the Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) have reported the results of a randomized trial that confirms the benefit of anti-androgen therapy. These results were published in the July 11, 2002 issue of
The Lancet.
A Combination of Total and Percent Free Prostate Specific Antigen Decreases the Number of False Positive Tests for Prostate Cancer (7/15/2002)
Total prostate specific antigen (PSA) in plasma can often identify men who are subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer. In the lower ranges, the PSA test yields a significant number of false positive tests for cancer. It has been observed that the percent free PSA is lower when prostate cancer is present. Researchers from several U.S. cancer centers have reported that determining the free PSA may decrease false-positives, while maintaining or perhaps improving the detection of potentially curable tumors. They reported their findings in a recent issue of the
Journal of Urology.
Screening with Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Results in Significant Overdiagnosis of Prostate Cancer (7/8/2002)
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing is becoming routine after the age of 50-55. The PSA test was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986 as a way to monitor prostate cancer progression, but since 1988 it has also been used as a screening test, despite the fact that there is no clear evidence that such screening improves survival. Randomized controlled trials to address the issue of efficacy of screening are ongoing, but the results of these trials are several years away. While awaiting the results of randomized trials, there have been several attempts to evaluate the effects of PSA screening on survival and other parameters. In the July 3, 2002 issue of the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute published results using computer modeling to determine the fraction of PSA screened patients who were “overdiagnosed.” It is important to understand their definition of the term overdiagnosed as used in this report, which is as follows: “The fraction of men whose prostate cancers were detected by PSA testing and who otherwise would not have been clinically diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes.”
Selective PSA Screening Among Men with a Positive Family History of Prostate Cancer Not Rewarding (6/10/2002)
Screening for prostate cancer with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after the age of 50 is becoming routine, even though there is, as of yet, no evidence that early diagnosis improves survival. A family history of prostate cancer has been shown to be a risk factor for prostate cancer. This is particularly true for prostate cancer that occurs at an early age. The American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society advise PSA testing, especially for men with affected first-degree relatives. The Finnish prostate cancer screening trial (1996 through 1999), compared the results of PSA screening between men with and without a family history. Their results were published in the June 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
TAXOTERE® -BASED REGIMENS SHOWN TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN CURRENT STANDARD THERAPY IN HORMONE REFRACTORY PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS (5/31/2002)
Orlando, Florida, May 18, 2002 -- Two different dosing regimens of the drug combination of Taxotere® (docetaxel), estramustine and prednisone have been shown to be more effective in decreasing or normalizing prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) than Novantrone® and prednisone, the current standard therapy, according to data presented today at the 38th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Study Shows Benefits of Adding High-Dose Vitamin D to Chemotherapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer (5/30/2002)
OHSU News and Information
Men with Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Levels Less Than 2.0 Do Not Need Annual Testing (5/24/2002)
According to results presented by Dr. David Crawford at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, men with prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels less than 2.0 do not need to undergo annual screening.
Hereditary Prostate Cancer Has An Earlier Onset Than Non-Hereditary Prostate Cancer (5/17/2002)
According to results published in the
Journal of Urology, hereditary prostate cancer is similar to the more common non-hereditary form, except that it occurs earlier in life.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy Before Interstitial Brachytherapy May Facilitate Treatment In Men with Prostate Cancer (5/14/2002)
According to results recently published in the
Journal of Urology, androgen deprivation prior to interstitial brachytherapy may provide a rational treatment approach for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate.
Bone Density Measurements for Men Treated with Androgen Deprivation for Prostate Cancer (5/13/2002)
According to results recently published in the
Journal of Urology, serial bone densitometry evaluation during androgen deprivation therapy may allow the detection of prostate cancer patients at risk for osteoporotic fractures.
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“Watchful Waiting” for Selected “Good-Risk” Men with Prostate Cancer May Be the Right Approach to Therapy (5/6/2002)
Researchers in Canada evaluated the feasibility of watchful waiting with selective delayed intervention using clinical, prostate specific antigen (PSA) or histological progression as treatment indications for clinically localized prostate cancer. They concluded that such a policy offered the benefit of no or delayed treatment to patients with indolent disease and provided definitive therapy for those with biologically active disease. Their results were published in the April, 2002 issue of the
Journal of Urology.
Green Tea Does Not Appear Effective for Treating Androgen Dependent Metastatic Prostate Cancer (5/2/2002)
Green tea is one of the many alternative or complimentary medicines that are taken by patients to prevent or treat cancer. Green tea contains polyphenols, which induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibits tumor growth in culture systems of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Phase I testing has established the maximum amount of green tea that is tolerable in patients.
Mortality from Major Cancer Surgery and Morbidity From Prostate Surgery Lower in High Volume Hospitals Than in Low Volume Hospitals (4/16/2002)
There were two reports in the April 11 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine which strongly support the concept that patients facing major cancer surgery should select a high volume hospital near where they live.
More Evidence That Tomato Products Are Associated with Reduced Risk of Prostate Cancer (4/15/2002)
There has been suggestive, but not conclusive evidence that frequent intake of tomato products or lycopene, a carotenoid from tomatoes, is associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer. Researchers from Harvard University evaluated additional data in an attempt to clarify the linkage, if any. They looked at prostate cancer cases from 1986 through January 31, 1998, involving 47,365 individuals who completed dietary questionnaires in 1986, 1990, and 1994.
New Gene Test May Assist in Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer Where Pathology is Equivocal (4/9/2002)
Determination of abnormal gene expression may assist in the diagnosis of prostate cancer according to researchers from the Universtiy of Michigan. They have determined that the overexpressed gene , -methylacyl coenzyme A racemase (AMACR) is associated with prostate cancer and not benign hypertrophy. They reported their findings in the April 3 issue of the
Journal of the American Medical Association.
Four Weeks of Anticoagulation Better Than One Week Following Cancer Surgery (4/5/2002)
Researchers from Sweden, Italy, England and Israel have reported in the March 28 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine that prolonged anticoagulation versus one week of anticoagulation is better for patients undergoing abdominal cancer surgery.
Plasma Free Metanephrines Best Test for Excluding or Confirming Pheochromocytoma (4/3/2002)
A multicenter international study has determined that plasma free metanephrines provide the best test for excluding or confirming the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The data establishing this was published in the March 20 issue of the
Journal of the American Medical Association.
One Day of Treatment with Estramustine and Taxotere® Every Three Weeks is Effective and Well Tolerated for Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer (3/15/2002)
Researchers at Johns Hopkins evaluated a new way of administering
Taxotere® and estramustine for the treatment of androgen independent prostate carcinoma which may decrease toxicities without decreasing effectiveness. This was accomplished by shortening the time of administration of oral estramustine phosphate. The results of this phase II study were published in the March issue of
Cancer.
Diethylstilbesterol (DES) Can Prevent Osteoporosis in Patients with Prostate Cancer (3/8/2002)
Currently, the most commonly employed androgen deprivation agents are luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists and non-steroidal antiandrogens. Androgen deprivation results in accelerated bone breakdown and osteoporosis. Thus, the main hormonal treatments for prostate cancer are associated with osteoporosis over time. Recently, researchers at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Medical Center evaluated the degree of bone breakdown in patients receiving conventional androgen deprivation with those receiving DES alone or in conjunction with LHRH agonists or orchiectomy. Their results were published in a recent issue of the
Journal of Urology.
Patients with Prostate Cancer Consuming Tomato Sauce-Based Entrees Have Lowered Prostate Specific Antigen (2/27/2002)
Human prostate tissues are vulnerable to oxidative DNA damage. The risk of prostate cancer is lower in men reporting higher consumption of tomato products, which contain high levels of the antioxidant lycopene.
Whole-Pelvic Radiation with Neoadjuvant Androgen Suppression May be Optimal Approach for Prostate Cancer With Risk of Lymph Node Involvement (2/12/2002)
A phase III trial performed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) comparing whole-pelvic to prostate only radiotherapy and neoadjuvant to adjuvant total androgen suppression was reported at the recent meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. This clinical trial was carried out in several institutions between 1995 and 1999 and involved a total of 1323 patients with prostate cancer. It is estimated that about two thirds of cancer centers, including major cancer treatment centers, treat only the prostate and not the adjacent lymph nodes. The purpose of this trial was to test the hypothesis that total androgen suppression and whole pelvis radiotherapy followed by a prostate boost would improve progression-free survival. This trial also tested the hypothesis that neoadjuvant hormonal therapy followed by concurrent total androgen suppression and radiation therapy would improve the progression free survival compared to radiation therapy followed by adjuvant total androgen suppression.
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