Combining Radiotherapy With Hormone Treatment Halves Mortality In Men With Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer, UK

Main Category: Prostate / Prostate Cancer
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 18 Dec 2008 - 2:00 PST

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The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on an article to be published in The Lancet which claims that combining radiotherapy with hormone therapy treatment halves mortality in men with locally advance prostate cancer.

John Neate, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "Although prostate cancer specialists will have to digest all the results of this significant study before any changes feed into medical care, it does seem to represent real progress in treatment for men with locally advanced prostate cancer - where the cancer has spread just outside the prostate gland. This research is about men, not mice or cells, and it gives doctors clear information on the benefit of giving a course of radiotherapy, as well as long term hormone treatment, in men with locally advanced prostate cancers.

"The study also offers information on the possible risks. Whilst we welcome the undoubted potential progress in terms of lives saved, it is important not to dismiss the increased risk of long term side effects on gut, bladder and sexual function. However, some progress in minimising the adverse effects on quality of life of combining a course of radiotherapy with hormone therapy may already be on the way. Current medical practice now means the dose of radiotherapy is bigger and better targeted - hitting the cancer more forcefully with less chance of damage to healthy tissues, thus reducing the risk of likely side effects."

Notes

Locally advanced means the cancer is suspected or seen elsewhere in the pelvis, as well as being inside the prostate itself.

This Scandinavian study started in 1996 and in 2008 medical practice now means the dose of radiotherapy is bigger and better targeted - hitting the cancer more forcefully with less chance of damage to healthy tissues, thus reducing the risk of likely side effects.

Interviews with spokespeople from The Prostate Cancer Charity are available on request.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. Every year in the UK 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. One man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK.

African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.

The Prostate Cancer Charity is striving for a world where lives are no longer limited by prostate cancer. The Charity is fighting prostate cancer on every front - through research, support, information and campaigning.

If you have any queries about prostate cancer call The Prostate Cancer Charity's confidential Helpline 0800 074 8383 which is staffed by specialist nurses and open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm or visit http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk

The Prostate Cancer Charity