In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine how anxiety and uncertainty affects men with prostate cancer who are undergoing active surveillance. The authors concluded that uncertainty and urinary complications promote anxiety in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer. They also recommend patient education and management of urinary...
Read MoreConfined or spread disease-Confined to the prostate gland Posts on Medivizor
Can ultrasounds be useful during active surveillance for prostate cancer?
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to see if ultrasounds could be used as a tool to monitor low-risk prostate cancer patients in active surveillance. It was concluded that ultrasounds can be used to monitor changes in prostate cancer, and could extend the time between biopsies. Some background Low-risk prostate cancer is cancer that has not...
Read MoreLooking 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 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 MoreHormone therapy during or after radiation therapy increases the risk of cardiovascular events
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on the risk of cardiovascular events (such as stroke or heart attack) in men treated with radiation therapy. Researchers concluded that ADT use during or after radiation therapy increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Some background Radiation therapy is a...
Read MoreCan biopsies guided by multiple imaging techniques better detect disease progression?
In a nutshell This study examined the benefit of biopsies guided by multiple imaging techniques (scans that provide images of the interior of the body) in men managed with active surveillance. Researchers reported improved detection rates of disease progression when biopsies were guided by multiple imaging techniques. Some background Many men with...
Read MoreErectile function and focal therapy
In a nutshell This study examined erectile function following treatment of prostate cancer with focal therapy. Researchers reported a return of erectile function from 6 months after focal therapy. Some background Surgery and radiation are first-line treatments for localized (confined) prostate cancer. In some cases, focal therapies are recommended...
Read MoreHigh-risk prostate cancer: Is there a survival benefit when chemotherapy is administered before surgery?
In a nutshell This study examined the benefit of administering chemotherapy before prostate surgery in men with intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer. Researchers reported preliminary evidence of a cancer-specific survival benefit when chemotherapy was administered before surgery. Some background Prostate surgery is a first-line treatment for...
Read MoreMinimally invasive prostate surgery as a treatment option for older men
In a nutshell This study examined the safety and effects of minimally invasive prostate surgery in older men with localized (confined) prostate cancer. Researchers reported similar outcomes of minimally invasive prostate surgery in older patients and in younger patients. Some background Prostate surgery is a first-line treatment for localized...
Read MoreSurvival benefits for men treated with local therapies before starting chemotherapy
In a nutshell This study examined the benefits of administering local therapies before chemotherapy for prostate cancer. Researchers reported lower mortality risks for men treated with local therapies before chemotherapy. Some background Local therapies, such as surgery or radiation, are first-line treatments for localized (confined) prostate...
Read MoreExamining the benefits of physical exercise during active surveillance
In a nutshell This review examined findings on lifestyle interventions for men with prostate cancer managed with active surveillance. The authors reported preliminary evidence on the benefits of physical exercise for men undergoing active surveillance. Some background Due to advances in the early detection of prostate cancer, many prostate tumors...
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