New treatment found for prostate cancer

Total Health | January 9th, 2012

Researchers at the University of Florida, USA, have treated over 200 men suffering from prostateA gland that surrounds the urethra near the bladder. It produces a fluid that forms part of the semen. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. with proton therapy. The early outcomes have found the treatment to be highly effective and to have reduced gastrointestinal and genitourinary side effects.

The study, published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics looked at the efficacy of proton therapy, a specialised type of external beam radiationEnergy in the form of waves or particles, including radio waves, X-rays and gamma rays. therapy using protons as opposed to x-rays, on treating men with low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancer. After two years the percentage of patients suffering from associated gastrointestinal symptoms was only 4%, with less than half of patients requiring treatment for related genitourinary symptoms. The overall survival rate after two years was 96%.

The researchers are hoping that the high survival rate with lack of side effects will lead to further trials and studies into proton therapy as an effective treatment for prostate cancer.
 

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Expert articles

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

By Mr Christian Brown, Consultant Urological SurgeonContact
King's College Hospital, The Lister Hospital

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomyThe surgical removal of the entire prostate gland., also known as keyhole prostatectomy, is a minimally invasive operation performed by a Urological Surgeon to treat, and cure, prostate cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.. It is performed under general anaestheticAny agent that reduces or abolishes sensation, affecting the whole body. and involves removing the entire prostate glandAn organ with the ability to make and secrete certain fluids., seminal vesicles A pair of pouch-like glands situated on each side of the bladder in males. These produce the components of semen. , and sometimes the lymphA watery or milky bodily fluid containing lymphocytes, proteins and fats. Lymph accumulates outside the blood vessels in the intercellular spaces of the body tiisues and is collected by the vessels of the lymphatic system. glands within the pelvisThe bony basin formed by the hip bones and the lower vertebrae of the spine; also refers to the lower part of the abdomen.. The bladderThe organ that stores urine. is then re-attached to the urethraThe tube that carries urine from the bladder, and in men also carries semen during ejaculation. with sutures.

Prostate Artery Embolisation for BPH

By Dr Nigel Hacking, Consultant RadiologistContact
Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, The Princess Grace Hospital

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This article presents an overview of a new and emerging treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasiaEnlargement of the prostate, which may cause difficulty in passing urine./hypertrophy known as Prostate Artery Embolisation. This will be of interest to any men who have been unsuccessfully treated in the past and are looking for new treatment options for BPH.

Progress in the treatment of advanced Prostate Cancer

By Professor Agamemnon Epenetos, Consultant Medical OncologistContact
Barts and the London NHS Trust, 80 Harley Street

This article presents an overview of the latest treatments for Prostate Cancer. We believe that this article will be of interest to anyone who has been diagnosed with prostateA gland that surrounds the urethra near the bladder. It produces a fluid that forms part of the semen. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. and would like to know what their treatment options are, particularly during the advanced stage.

Prostate Cancer Screening – Addressing the dilemma

By Mr Rick Popert, Consultant Urological SurgeonContact
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London Bridge Hospital

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The modern management of localised Prostate Cancer

By Mr Rick Popert, Consultant Urological SurgeonContact
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London Bridge Hospital

Treatment advances in prostateA gland that surrounds the urethra near the bladder. It produces a fluid that forms part of the semen. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. are dependant upon a multidisciplinaryRelating to a group of healthcare professionals with different areas of specialisation. approach and the resource to invest in new technology. Our department has been more fortunate in this regard than others and we have a comprehensive and integrated treatment programme. In some respects, this makes it harder to advise patients when the choice is so broad but I would rather that my patients were well informed on their options. Most often, it is not which treatment would be best for an individual but why one particular choice would be a bad idea.

Recent news

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Total Health | May 4th, 2012

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