An informative and comprehensive analysis of existing research studies evaluating the merits of early vs. deferred commencement of hormone therapy in men with advanced prostate cancer was recently published. The analysis (Wilt T, Nair B, MacDonald R, Rutks I. Early versus deferred androgen suppression in the treatment of advanced prostatic cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic [...]
A prominent attorney, Frederick Baron, who is dying of bone marrow cancer, has been granted his wish, to receive the drug Tysabri. After significant wrangling, The FDA and the Mayo Clinic found a legal basis to give him the drug in an emergency situation, even though Tysabri is not approved for any cancers. This decision [...]
Today, Cougar Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ:CGRB) unveiled the results from its ongoing Phase II clinical trial drug CB7630 (abiraterone acetate). The data was presented at the Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The clinical trial, which is centered at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas and was designed to look at the [...]
As advanced prostate cancer progresses it becomes inevitable that we will develop bone metastases. The treatments available are designed to slow disease progression, to relieve pain and to avoid the complications that result from bones being weakened by the cancer. Weakened bones become very susceptible to fractures, with prostate cancer the most likely sight for [...]
U.S. News and World Review, in their HealthDay section reported an interesting aspect of the continuing debate about treatment vs. “watchful waiting” (active surveillance). The article, written by Karen Pallarito “Rethinking Prostate Cancer in Older Men” suggests aggressive treatment is viable, even for patients in their late 70s! Her premise, that increasing life expectancies, improved [...]