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>

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

Trial results on new advanced prostate cancer drug will be out soon

BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEK: A US company will next month report the results of its study of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone for the treatment of patients with metastatic advanced prostate cancer, also called castration-resistant prostate cancer. READ MORE>

Read Full Post »

Canadian researchers develop new drug to prolong lives of prostate cancer patients

VANCOUVER SUN: Vancouver researchers have developed a new cancer-fighting drug that will prolong the life of patients with advanced prostate cancer, doubling their life expectancy compared with a decade ago. READ MORE>

Read Full Post »

Asthma drug found to prolong life of advanced prostate cancer patients

URO TODAY: A drug originally developed to treat asthma, Tranilast, may improve the prognosis of patients with advanced prostate cancer, a Japanese study has shown. READ MORE>

Read Full Post »

ADHD drug helps treat fatigue in men with advanced prostate cancer

URO TODAY:  The attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder drug Methylphenidate is effective in treating fatigue in men with prostate cancer,but  oncologists need to monitor for possible pulse and blood pressure elevations. READ MORE>

Read Full Post »

Why has it taken so long for prostate cancer cell detector to arrive in Australasia?

PROSTABLOG NZ:  Australian news media are breathlessly reporting that a “new” prostate cancer diagnostic tool, the cell search machine, is being set up in their country for the first time (in Brisbane). READ MORE>

Should we be excited? Yes – that this technology – used in the US for more than five years – is finally appearing in our part of the world (although not yet in NZ).

My gripe is not about the news itself, but the way ill-informed journalists report such announcements, swallowing the official spin without question.

The real story lies in challenging governments over the delays that attach to such breakthroughs making their way Down Under.

Has anyone thought to ask NZ or Australian ministries of health how long it will be before Provenge (a new treatment for advanced prostate cancer) is available here?

Read Full Post »