In a nutshell This review explored the risks and benefits of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as treatment for patients with early-stage prostate cancer. Some background Prostate cancer (PC) can now be found in the very early stages, due to screening techniques such as the prostate-specific antigen or PSA (a protein produced by the...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the outcomes of prostate cancer patients in terms of bladder control (continence), sexual function (potency) and cure rates after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP). Some background RALRP is a modern technique which aims to completely remove the prostate gland and some healthy tissue around...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether a Mediterranean diet is linked to better outcomes in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Some background Dietary changes are thought to affect the development and progression of prostate cancer. However, no study to date has reached conclusive results regarding the effects of diet on mortality from...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the relationship between the use of metformin (Glucophage) and prostate cancer mortality. Some background Metformin is a drug commonly used in the management of diabetes. Metformin works by suppressing glucose production in the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. Recent studies have...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the use of alendronate (Fosamax) for the prevention of bone loss in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for localized prostate cancer. Some background Androgens are a group of hormones (including testosterone) which can stimulate the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. Androgen deprivation...
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In a nutshell This study looked at men who had their prostate removed after diagnosis of prostate cancer. The study evaluated the time from surgery to biochemical recurrence, and whether this period of time is associated with survival or certain cancer characteristics. Some background One of the initial treatments for prostate cancer is a radical...
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In a nutshell This article reviewed the effects of age and co-morbidities (co-existing medical conditions or diseases in addition to cancer) on mortality in prostate cancer patients. Mortality rates directly from prostate cancer (cancer specific mortality; CSM), and those from other causes (other cause mortality; OCM) were compared. Some background...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The present study evaluated whether patients with stage III prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) would benefit from further radiotherapy (RT), as opposed to the "wait and see" approach. There was a 21% increase in survival with no cancer progression in patients who received additional RT. Some...
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The present study evaluated the quality of life and adverse effects for patients younger than 60 with prostate cancer following proton therapy. The main findings were that young prostate cancer patients treated with proton therapy have great outcomes with respect to urinary and sexual function. The prostate is a small gland only found in men that has...
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In a nutshell This study aimed to identify health-related decline in quality of life 4 to 8 years after prostate cancer (PC) treatment. Main finding: measures of quality of life vary based on therapy choice. Some background Treatments for localized PC (confined to the prostate gland) include radical prostatectomy (RP), brachytherapy (BT) and...
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This review article describes clinical evidence of the benefits and risks of a treatment combined of a short course of hormonal therapy (termed ‘androgen deprivation therapy’, ADT) and radiation given in escalated doses. Patients involved were those with localized prostate cancer but higher Gleason score or prostate-specific antigen (PSA)...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This article reviewed the possible complications that can occur after radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Some background Radiation therapy (RT) is usually given as part of prostate cancer management. RT improves the prognosis of prostate cancer by limiting the rate of recurrence (return of cancer). In early stages, RT can even...
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