In a nutshell This phase 2 trial aims to compare conventional radiation therapy with a very focused type of radiation therapy for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. The main outcome to be investigated is the number of side effects and the rate of disease recurrence at 5 years. The trial is recruiting in British Columbia, Canada. The details...
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Looking for overweight or obese prostate cancer patients with disease progression after primary therapy
In a nutshell This phase 2 trial aims to evaluate the benefit of adding metformin (Glucophage) to hormone therapy with bicalutamide (Casodex). The main outcome to be investigated is treatment response. The trial is recruiting in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), USA. The details Obesity and metabolic syndrome (a collection of conditions including...
Read MoreBlood counts after prostate surgery can predict clinical outcomes
In a nutshell This study examined whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) before treatment can be used to predict clinical outcomes in localized prostate cancer. Researchers reported poorer outcomes for patients with higher NLR after surgery. Some background Neutrophils are cells that are involved in inflammation (reaction to injury or...
Read MoreCan radiation and hormone therapy after surgery improve prostate cancer survival rates?
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to determine whether radiation therapy in combination with hormonal therapy improved survival in men with prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes after surgery. Researchers concluded that patients treated with radiation therapy and hormone therapy had a significantly higher survival rate compared to...
Read MoreGuest Post: Cancer On Facebook–A Patient’s Perspective
Dawn Goo is a waitress, former comedian, breast cancer survivor and is now under treatment for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. She lives in El Paso, Texas. This is a post from her Facebook page which is gathering momentum in social media among people who have experienced cancer, especially those who are dealing with Stage 4 disease. DAMN IT DAWN! WE ONLY WANT...
Read MoreRectal bleeding rates following specialized radiation treatments
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of specialized radiation treatments on patient-reported rectal bleeding. The authors found very low rates of rectal bleeding immediately after treatment and at 2 years. Some background Radiation therapy is a common treatment of localized (confined) prostate cancer. Radiation therapy involves...
Read MoreThe effect of hormone therapies on the risk of type 2 diabetes
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of duration and different types of hormone therapy on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in prostate cancer patients. Researchers concluded that the type and duration of hormone therapy significantly affected diabetes risk. Some background Hormone therapy is a common treatment used in prostate...
Read MoreComparing outcomes of radiation therapy and observation in patients over 80
In a nutshell This study examined different treatment options for elderly men with localized prostate cancer. Researchers reported that radiation therapy with or without hormone therapy was associated with a significant survival benefit when compared to observation alone. Some background Localized prostate cancer refers to cancer that is confined...
Read MoreComparing the benefits of different local therapies before hormone therapy
In a nutshell This study compared the benefit of combining different local therapies with hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers reported a survival benefit for patients treated with surgery or intensity modulated radiation therapy (a type of radiation therapy) before hormone therapy. Some background Hormone therapy is...
Read MoreThe role of active surveillance for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study examined the role of active surveillance in the management of intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Researchers concluded that active surveillance is a safe management method for selected patients with favorable intermediate-risk disease. Men with more aggressive cancer cells may benefit from active treatment early on. Some...
Read MoreOvertreatment and active surveillance in older men – a computer simulation
In a nutshell This study created a computer simulation of prostate cancer that calculates the risk of overtreatment in older men. Authors concluded that individual characteristics such as age, number of medical conditions, and cancer stage at diagnosis affect the probability of overtreatment and the potential benefit of active treatment. Some...
Read MoreSecondary hormone therapies: Should abiraterone or enzalutamide be administered first?
In a nutshell This study examined whether abiraterone (Zytiga) or enzalutamide (Xtandi) should be administered first in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Authors report preliminary evidence for reduced disease progression when administering abiraterone before enzalutamide compared to the reverse sequence. A significant...
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