Doubling Prostate Cancer Survival -- Research Summary
Research Summary
BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It usually grows slows and may initially remain confined to the prostate gland. Some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment. Other types are aggressive and may spread quickly. When prostate cancer is detected early, patients have a better chance of successful treatment.
SYMPTOMS: Patients with prostate cancer may not have symptoms in the early stages of the disease. More advanced prostate cancer may cause symptoms such as trouble urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, blood in the urine, blood in semen, swelling in the legs, discomfort in the pelvic area or bone pain.
WHO'S AT RISK? The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. This type of cancer is most common in men over age 65. Black men also have a greater risk of prostate cancer compared to men of other races. A family history of prostate cancer may also increase a man's risk. Obesity is another risk factor. Obese men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to have advanced disease that's more difficult to treat.
TREATMENTS: Men who are diagnosed with a very early stage prostate cancer may not require treatment right away. Some men never need treatment. Doctors may recommend "watchful waiting," where they perform regular follow-up blood tests, rectal exams and biopsies to monitor the progression of the cancer. In other cases where a man's cancer is progressing, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound treatments or chemotherapy may be used.
NEW THERAPY: In a clinical trial, a new biologic agent, known as tasquinimod, is being used to treat men with advanced prostate cancer that has progressed on hormone therapy. This oral drug disrupts the formation of new blood vessels to the tumor and improves the body's immune response to the cancer. After six months on tasquinimod, 69 percent of men in the study showed no disease progression compared to 37 percent of men on placebo. The most common side effects experienced by the participants were gastrointestinal problems, fatigue and bone pain. There were rare occurrences of heart attack, stroke and deep vein thrombosis in the study subjects. Researchers are now starting a phase III trial to further test the drug. MORE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Annie Deck-Miller, Senior Media Relations Manager
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Buffalo, NY
Annie.Deck-Miller@RoswellPark.org
Doubling Prostate Cancer Survival -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information
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