Viagra combined with chemo drug may be effective prostate cancer treatment

HEALTH NEWS TODAY: When combined with the erectile-dysfunction drug Viagra, a long-used chemotherapy drug called doxorubicin may be even more effective as a treatment for prostate cancer, according to a new study. READ MORE>

Doubt raised over pomegranate juice anti-prostate cancer claims

NEW PROSTATE CANCER INFOLINK: All that favourable publicity for pomegranate juice and its anti-prostate cancer properties may be in trouble – a US company has been accused of over-selling its benefits. READ MORE>

Prostate drug debate: What’s it worth to stay alive a few more months?

WASHINGTON EXAMINER.COM:  Here’s a well-written article on the current US debate about how much a life is worth – more specifically, how much the government Medicare scheme and health insurers pay out for cancer drugs that prolong life for a few months. READ MORE>

The confusion about PSA testing that exists between men and their GPs

NEW PROSTATE CANCER INFOLINK: It has been well understood for some time that there is confusion among men in general and among members of the primary care community about appropriate use of PSA testing. READ MORE>

Recent research has moved prostate screening debate along

NEW PROSTATE CANCER INFOLINK: The debate about mass screening for prostate cancer has been moved on significantly by by some recent Swedish studies, writes Mike Scott:

Is there a simple take-away from these three Swedish studies that correlates to the data from the meta-analysis of the six major screening trials? We believe that there is, and it is based on a testable premise:

• All men should get a PSA test every 5 years starting at age 40, each of which is likely to be able to project a 25-year risk for diagnosis of prostate cancer and/or clinically significant prostate cancer.
• Men who are shown to be at no significant 25-year risk based on these 5-yearly PSA tests may not need to get interim PSA tests unless there are other reasons for them to do so (based on clinical signs and symptoms, ethnicity, genetics, and other known factors).
• Men who are shown to be at significant 25-year risk based on any one of the 5-yearly PSA tests should be encouraged to monitor their PSA with care over time in consultation with a prostate cancer specialist and make appropriate clinical decisions based on their individual data.

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Web-based system enables doctors to better manage prostate cancer treatment

THE ENGINEER: A web-based software system that could help health professionals to manage the treatment of prostate cancer has been developed in the East Midlands. READ MORE>

The system will mean that patients with less complex conditions will not have to make repeat trips to hospital, while consultants will have more time to focus on and treat the most serious urological disorders.

Prostate screening misses out in Obama’s new health insurance

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Screening for prostate cancer will not be included in President Obama’s new preventive health insurance next year. READ MORE>

New health insurance policies beginning on or after September 23 must cover — without charge — preventive care that’s backed up by the best scientific evidence. Most people will see this benefit, part of the Obama administration’s health care overhaul, starting January 1.

The list includes tests strongly recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force, an independent advisory panel that evaluates research.

Of note for men: Screening for prostate cancer isn’t included on the list because its benefits haven’t been conclusively shown by the best research, at least to the high level required by the law.