Chemotherapy for prostate cancer is still limited to just two drugs, docetaxel (Taxotere) and cabazitaxel (Jevtana). Both of these chemotherapy drugs are taxanes, but they seem to be very different in their mode of action. A study published online in Clinical Cancer Research, indicates that cabazitaxel might be more effective for some men than docetaxel. [...]
The first line of treatment for advanced prostate cancer is Androgen (male hormone) Deprivation Therapy or ADT. Once the PSA progresses (climbs) while still on ADT and with testosterone levels
Curcumin is thought to have anti-cancer activity as well as to provide a synergistic effect with chemotherapy agents. Because of this Dr. Eloise Planchat of the Centre Jean Perrin, Division de Recherche Clinique, EA4231, Université d’Auvergne shared results from a prospective phase II study that assessed the impact of the combination of docetaxel (chemotherapy) plus [...]
One of the common side effects reported from chemotherapy with Taxotere is neuropathy. In the trial used to receive FDA approval, TAX 327 which had 332 patients. In that trial the following percentage of men reported incidents of neuropathy: Neuropathy Sensory- Nerve damage causing tingling or pain, usually in feet or hands: Any Grade- 30.4% [...]
An article appearing today the Urology Times E-News rang a warning bell about the use of the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab (Avastin). The article warned that men with advanced prostate cancer may be at an increased risk of treatment-related death when bevacizumab is used in combination with other therapies. Senior author Shenhong Wu, MD, PhD, and [...]
We have been having a lot of conversations on the advanced prostate cancer on-line group this last month about chemotherapy. Three of our advanced prostate cancer warriors have been openly sharing their experiences as they start docetaxel (taxotere or chemotherapy). Join the group at: Join the advanced prostate cancer on-line support group. It is important [...]
Besides the blood problems and the gastric problems I discussed in the last two posts, taxotere can also cause hair loss and have effects on your skin and nails. The q3wk dose of taxotere (higher dose once every 3 weeks) is associated with reversible hair loss in two-thirds of men going on that schedule and [...]
Taxotere can cause severe irritation of the liver, so your liver functions must be monitored via regular blood tests. If the blood screens show you are developing liver problems a modification of your dosing or possibly stopping further infusions is warranted. Liver damage caused by taxotere is usually reversible when the drug is stopped, however [...]
What is the real cost of approved treatments for advanced prostate cancer and how much we should spend? These questions are rippling through the prostate cancer community and the general population. […]
There remain for many people questions about Provenge. The most common question I hear is about the financial cost of the treatment for what has been described as “only 4 months of life extension for $93,000, is it worth it?” Well, the answer is a clear yes! […]
