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09/04/2003
HRT patches assist in prostate cancer patient care
Preliminary results have indicated that hormone replacement patches similar to those used by menopausal women are an effective way to help men with advanced prostate cancer.
Small-scale tests showed that the female hormones used to reduce male testosterone production and block its effects were more effectively delivered by the patches and that there were fewer side effects.
Researchers who carried out a preliminary trial in London, reported that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) led to a regression of disease in 20 patients and improved quality of life.
The male hormone testosterone exacerbates prostate cancer and when the cancer spreads reducing the impact of the hormone helps to slow the progress of the disease.
Normal hormone treatments to suppress hormones when used in male patients have several undesirable side effects, including, impotence, osteoporosis, anaemia, hot flushes and breast tissue growth.
The researchers at Hammersmith Hospital and Imperial College found that within three weeks HRT patches reduced testosterone levels in the men to a point normally only achieved by castration, a procedure which is sometimes carried out.
Also, side effects were less severe and the quality of life of patients was improved.
Prostate cancer generally hits men in their sixties or seventies, but increasingly numbers of middle-aged patients are presenting with the disease.
The second most common cancer in men, over 24,500 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the UK – of these some 50% will die from the disease.
(SP)
Small-scale tests showed that the female hormones used to reduce male testosterone production and block its effects were more effectively delivered by the patches and that there were fewer side effects.
Researchers who carried out a preliminary trial in London, reported that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) led to a regression of disease in 20 patients and improved quality of life.
The male hormone testosterone exacerbates prostate cancer and when the cancer spreads reducing the impact of the hormone helps to slow the progress of the disease.
Normal hormone treatments to suppress hormones when used in male patients have several undesirable side effects, including, impotence, osteoporosis, anaemia, hot flushes and breast tissue growth.
The researchers at Hammersmith Hospital and Imperial College found that within three weeks HRT patches reduced testosterone levels in the men to a point normally only achieved by castration, a procedure which is sometimes carried out.
Also, side effects were less severe and the quality of life of patients was improved.
Prostate cancer generally hits men in their sixties or seventies, but increasingly numbers of middle-aged patients are presenting with the disease.
The second most common cancer in men, over 24,500 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the UK – of these some 50% will die from the disease.
(SP)
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24 May 2005
Trials for prostate cancer drugs announced
Scientists have announced that they are testing new drugs that could be used to treat advanced prostate cancer. Currently, advanced prostate cancer is treated with hormone therapy. However, this only works for a short period of time, after which there are few other options for the patient, apart from palliative care.
Trials for prostate cancer drugs announced
Scientists have announced that they are testing new drugs that could be used to treat advanced prostate cancer. Currently, advanced prostate cancer is treated with hormone therapy. However, this only works for a short period of time, after which there are few other options for the patient, apart from palliative care.
25 September 2009
Screening For Prostate Cancer 'Remains Controversial'
There is not enough evidence to support routine prostate cancer screening. Two papers published on bmj.com today conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support population-wide screening for prostate cancer using the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
Screening For Prostate Cancer 'Remains Controversial'
There is not enough evidence to support routine prostate cancer screening. Two papers published on bmj.com today conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support population-wide screening for prostate cancer using the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
09 November 2004
Report highlights successful fight against prostate cancer
Men with prostate cancer are being seen more quickly and receiving better care according to a new report out today. The report sets out progress made following the publication of the NHS Prostate Cancer programme four years ago.
Report highlights successful fight against prostate cancer
Men with prostate cancer are being seen more quickly and receiving better care according to a new report out today. The report sets out progress made following the publication of the NHS Prostate Cancer programme four years ago.
31 October 2005
Call for action on prostate cancer
The leaders of the three main political parties have issued a joint call for greater action to tackle the problem of prostate cancer. Prime Minister Tony Blair, Conservative leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy have all recorded messages of support for the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action.
Call for action on prostate cancer
The leaders of the three main political parties have issued a joint call for greater action to tackle the problem of prostate cancer. Prime Minister Tony Blair, Conservative leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy have all recorded messages of support for the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action.
16 May 2012
New Info Revises Opinion On Cancer Drug
A prostate cancer drug should be given to NHS patients, a health watchdog has said. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) revised its recommendations on the drug Abiratone after fresh information from the manufacturer, Janssen. Experts have welcomed the draft guidance.
New Info Revises Opinion On Cancer Drug
A prostate cancer drug should be given to NHS patients, a health watchdog has said. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) revised its recommendations on the drug Abiratone after fresh information from the manufacturer, Janssen. Experts have welcomed the draft guidance.
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