In a nutshell This study attempted to examine the contribution of different components of prostate cancer on the outlook of patients diagnosed with metastatic disease despite treatment. Some background In some cases of prostate cancer, the primary treatment does not cure the disease, and metastases (cancer lesions in other body parts)...
Read MoreConfined or spread disease-Spread beyond the prostate gland Posts on Medivizor
Is lymph node density a better predictor of cancer-specific survival than number of positive lymph nodes?
In a nutshell This study compared the predictive ability of lymph node density and the absolute number of positive lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer and lymph node invasion. Some background Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland in prostate cancer. Chemotherapy may be used following surgery to...
Read MoreCross resistance suspected between abiraterone and taxane chemotherapy
In a nutshell This study evaluated the effectiveness of taxane-based chemotherapy after treatment with abiraterone (Zytiga), to determine whether resistance to androgen blockade also affects the outcome of taxane treatment. Some background Castration-resistant prostate cancer refers to cancer that has progressed despite androgen deprivation...
Read MoreReducing the risk of bone fractures
In a nutshell This review examined the safety and efficacy of zoledronic acid (Zometa) and denosumab (Xgeva), two treatments for bone loss related to advanced prostate cancer. Some background Advanced prostate cancer (PC) can be associated with bone damage caused by bone metastases (cancer that has spread to the bones) or by androgen deprivation...
Read MoreRadiotherapy or surgery for better survival?
In a nutshell This study compared the effect of radiation therapy versus radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate gland and some healthy tissue around it) on survival rates in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who had metastasis (cancer spread to distant organs and tissues of the body) after treatment. Some background Radiation...
Read MoreCan lifestyle changes improve quality of life?
In a nutshell This trial investigated the impact of lifestyle changes in diet and exercise on the quality of life (QoL) of advanced prostate cancer (PC) patients. Some background PC can affect patients' QoL as a direct result of the disease itself and as side effects from treatments. Erectile dysfunction (problems obtaining or...
Read MoreThe Gleason score can predict which prostate cancer patients can benefit the most from docetaxel therapy
In a nutshell This study re-examines data from a previous study and aims to identify which patients with prostate cancer would benefit the most from docetaxel (Taxotere) therapy. Some background Prostate cancer grows in response to testosterone, the main male sex hormone. In order to reduce the effect of testosterone, castration is the mainstay of...
Read MoreDoes adding docetaxel to hormone therapy have any survival benefits in patients with metastatic prostate cancer?
In a nutshell This phase 3 clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy drug docetaxel combined with hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy or ADT) in patients with metastatic non-castrate prostate cancer. Some background Androgens (testosterone) are male sex hormones that control the development and maintenance...
Read MoreComparing therapies in the treatment of high-risk prostate cancer patients
In a nutshell This study compared the effects of different therapies in the treatment of high-risk prostate cancer. Failure of treatment and mortality rates were compared between the use of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and combined modality radiotherapy (CMRT). The effect of adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to the treatment plan...
Read MoreAbiraterone improves bone-related symptoms in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
In a nutshell This study evaluated the effect of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone on pain and skeletal-related symptoms in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after docetaxel chemotherapy. Some background Prostate cancer growth is fueled by testosterone, the main male sex hormone. Treatment options include...
Read MoreAbiraterone shows increased survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
In a nutshell The present study evaluated the effect of Abiraterone acetate (AbAc) on survival and disease progression, when given to patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) that is resistant to hormone therapy (castration-resistant). Some background Prostate cancer (PCa) growth is fueled by male hormones like...
Read MoreInhibition of Acquired Resistance to Chemotherapy in Prostate Cancer Treatment
In a nutshell This scientific article tried to prove that acquired resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent Docetaxel (Taxotere) can be eliminated by specifically targeting the mechanisms of resistance with additional drugs. The main finding was that a new cocktail of chemotherapeutic drugs can inhibit resistance to Docetaxel in studies performed on...
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