I was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer in November of 2008. After discussing the options with my family, I decided to try clinical trials instead of following the standard course of treatment. My first clinical trial combined 6 rounds of chemotherapy with the standard hormone replacement therapy (editors note – ADT). This trial was [...]
According to an analysis led by the Duke Cancer Institute, tasquinimo, an investigational prostate cancer treatment slows disease progression and may also increase survival, especially among men whose cancer has spread to the bones. This study that was published on Nov. 19, 2013, in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, shows that long-term survival and safety [...]
Now that Radium-223 Dichloride (Xofigo) has been approved by the FDA for use in men with castrate resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases we will begin to see the actual treatments happening. The next question in the process that will arise is whether or not it is safe and effective to re-treat an individual with [...]
There was a recent study to investigate the predictive value of the number of extra-spinal organs involved by metastases for survival in metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) from prostate cancer. This was a very small study of only 95 men irradiated with 10×3 Gy for MSCC from prostate cancer. The investigators considered seven factors: Age, [...]
Those of us with advanced prostate cancer who have used hormone therapy (ADT) often find that we are plagued with hot flashes that are detrimental to our quality of life (QOL). I believe that hot flashes are the most common side effect complained about by men who are on ADT, in the scheme of seriousness [...]
The makers of Enzalutamide (Xtandi), Astellas Pharma US, Inc and Medivation, Inc have begun a Phase 4 clinical trial known as PLATO. The study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continued treatment with enzalutamide (Xtandi) plus abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) and prednisone as compared to treatment with Zytiga and prednisone alone in men [...]
If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial but just can not figure out how to navigate the government's clinical trial web page (www.clinicaltrials.gov) you could call 1-800-4-CANCER for assistance. This number will put you in touch with the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Center for Cancer Research. The operators who answer the phone [...]
Based on six recent retrospective analyses comparing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist degarelix against the traditional luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists (i.e. Zoladex, Lupron etc.) men with advanced prostate cancer experienced improved disease control, fewer instances of urinary infections, and a lower risk of cardiovascular events. The six analyses compared data from randomized trials that [...]
The number of cancer survivors is increasing, soon to be as many of 13 million of us in the world! Bones are often affected in cancer survivors, usually a result of bone metastases, or of anti-cancer therapies which can contribute to bone loss and fragility. Bone disease in cancer survivors can result both from the [...]
Becoming a full time 24/7 caregiver for someone with any chronic illness, including advanced prostate cancer is overwhelming. Most caregivers find that they stop their own personal activities, including those that give them personal pleasure. Caregiving means subverting personal needs in favor of the needs of the patient. This situation often leads to the [...]
