Prostate Cancer Blog for Wives and Partners

Hold the Supplements When Undergoing Radiation for Prostate Cancer

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:04:47 GMT

Men who are undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer should not take herbal or dietary prostate-specific supplements without first talking to their doctor, according to a study published in the March issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, as reported by Medical News Today. Researchers at Michigan's William Beaumont Hospital found that three widely used supplements increased the radiosensitivity of normal prostate cell lines, leading to normal tissue complications. Previous studies have shown that some supplements can interfere with chemotherapy for prostate cancer. March 10, 2010.

American Cancer Society Issues New Prostate Cancer Screening Guideline

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:24:52 GMT

Highlights of the new American Cancer Society (ACS) Guideline for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer (Update 2010), which appears in the online edition of CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, include: Asymptomatic men (men who do not have any symptoms of prostate cancer) who have at least a 10-year life expectancy "should have an opportunity to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer, after receiving information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits associated with prostate cancer screening." The guideline also states that prostate cancer screening should not occur without an informed decision-making process. Men at average risk should receive this information starting at age 50. Men at higher risk should receive this information beginning at age 45. This includes African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65. Men at appreciably higher risk should receive this information beginning at age 40. This includes men who have had multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65. Asymptomatic men who have less than a 10-year life expectancy based on age and health status should not be offered prostate cancer screening. The ACS guideline also states that "men should either receive this information directly from their health care providers or be referred to reliable and culturally appropriate sources." March 4, 2010.

Another Study Suggests Success of Statins

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:48:27 GMT

Studies have shown that inflammation is associated with advanced prostate cancer. A recent study by Banez et al, which was published in the February 16 online edition of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, suggests that statins (which are commonly prescribed for reducing high cholesterol) may have a potential role in the inhibition of inflammation within prostate cancer tumors. In this study of 236 men undergoing radical prostatectomy from 1996 to 2004, the men who took 20 mg of simvastatin daily for a year prior to their surgery had a significantly lower risk for inflammation within their tumors. There have been a number of studies about statins and their potential role in preventing progression of prostate cancer. This does not mean, however, that men should rush to ask their doctors for a prescription for a statin. More studies are needed before such a recommendation can be made. But if your man is already taking a statin, it may be an added plus. Read the study abstract.

Nitroglycerin for Prostate Cancer

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:56:33 GMT

Medical News Today is reporting on results of a very small clinical study that suggests that a very low dose of nitroglycerin may slow and even halt the progression of prostate cancer. Twenty-nine men with rising PSA levels following prostate surgery or radiation were treated with a low-dose, slow-release nitroglycerin skin patch in the study, which was conducted by Queen's University researchers. Of the 17 patients who completed the study, all but one showed a stabilization or decrease in the rate of cancer progression, as measured by their PSA doubling time. While much larger studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of nitroglycerin, this is an interesting development in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Sexual Bother is Big for Men Following Prostate Cancer Surgery

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:33:28 GMT

"Sexual bother" increases after radical prostatectomy, even in men who can have "good" erections after their surgery, according to a recent study by Nelson et al, which was published in the January issue (Part 1) of the Journal of Sexual Medicine. This sexual bother includes shame, embarrassment, and a reduction in general life happiness. In the study, 183 men who had surgery for prostate cancer completed inventories (like a questionnaire) 12 and 24 months following their treatment. The inventories included information about erectile function and sexual bother. The mean scores for erectile function decreased from the beginning of the study to the 24-month time point. The mean sexual bother scores increased from the baseline to the 12-month time point, but stayed stable from the 12-month time point to the 24-month time point (whether a man had erectile dysfunction [ED] or not). The average age of the men studied was 58 (plus or minus 7 years). Only 7 of men with ED moved from being "bothered" at 12 months to "no bother" at 24 months. The study authors suggest that men do not seem to "adjust" to ED following surgery for prostate cancer.

Soy Bread for Prostate Cancer

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:13:20 GMT

Health News Digest reports that Ohio State cancer researchers and food scientists have baked a new soy bread that they hope will help fight prostate cancer. Dozens of men have been enrolled in a study, which is being conducted at Ohio State's James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. The men will get a daily dose of soy-packed bread, which was inspired by the Asian diet, which is rich in soy. The rate of prostate cancer in men living in Asia is very low. The bread that is being used in the study is equal to the amount of soy Asian men consume in a typical day. Read more about the benefits of soy.

Study: Sexual Decline Following Radiation Therapy

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:09:17 GMT

A man's sexual function following external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer declines in the first two years, but then stabilizes, according to a small study by Siglin, et al, which was published in the January issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics. The study followed 143 men following radiation treatment (mean follow-up time was four years) and used questionnaires to assess their sexual function. The mean age of the men studied was 69 and their mean Gleason score was 6. The questionnaires included questions about sex drive, erectile function, ejaculatory function, and overall satisfaction. Learn more

Vaccine Shows Promise for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:22:18 GMT

According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a newly published National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical trial has demonstrated that men with metastatic prostate cancer who received the PROSTVAC-VF vaccine (a harmless combination of two weakened poxviruses that was engineered to cause an immune system attack on prostate tumor cells), lived "substantially longer" than men who did not receive the vaccine (called placebo vaccine). The trial findings will be published online and in the print edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The double-blinded trial (which means that the men did not know whether they were receiving the vaccine or the placebo vaccine, and the study investigators did not know what they were giving the men) included 125 men with metastatic prostate cancer who did not respond to standard hormone therapy. Eighty-two men received PROSTVAC-VF and 40 men received a placebo vaccine. After three years, 30 percent of the men who received PROSTVAC-VF were alive, versus 17 percent of the men who got the placebo vaccine. The median survival (which is the middle value of given numbers, and should not be confused by mean or average, which is the sum of all given numbers divided by the total number of men in the group) of the men who received the vaccine was 24.5 months, compared to 16 months for the group of men that received placebo vaccine.

Study: Regular Exercise and External Beam Radiation

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:10:12 GMT

A small, randomized, controlled single-center study (Kapur et al) of 66 men in the United Kingdom reports that men receiving external beam radiation who exercised regularly had significantly less severe acute rectal toxicity. One study group of 33 men walked aerobically for 30 minutes at least three times a week during a 4-week course of radiation. The other group (called the control group) did not. There was no significant difference in bladder toxicity scores between the two groups. The study authors concluded that keeping active, and being asked to adhere to a well-defined exercise schedule, appears to reduce the severity of rectal toxicity during radiotherapy to the prostate. The study appeared in the December 17, 2009 online edition of the European Journal of Cancer Care. Read the study abstract

Study: Couples Perspective on Sexual Side Effects after Prostate Cancer Treatment

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:25:04 GMT

Researchers are finally realizing that prostate cancer is often a "couple's disease." A recent study by Tsivian et al, which was published in International Brazilian Journal of Urology, reports that men and their female partners may view sexual side effects following prostate cancer surgery differently. Twenty-eight couples completed a Retrospective Sexual Survey that contained questions about physiological changes in libido, foreplay, erection and arousal, orgasm and ejaculation in addition to perceived psychological impact. Only about 40 of men and women were happy with their levels of sexual interest with 82 concordance (which means the level of agreement between the couples surveyed). While greater than 70 of couples stated they utilized more or the same foreplay after prostate cancer treatment, the concordance was only 48. Out of all men and women, less than 40 declared being happy with their partner's level of desire (concordance 86). Urine loss during orgasm was reported by 43 of men and the majority of study participants were bothered by it. Ejaculation changes were observed by 96 of men (concordance 96) with most reporting anejaculation (which means they were unable to ejaculate). A change in orgasm experience was noted by 86 of men (and 36 of their female partners). Despite the change, the majority of men and women reported being satisfied with their ability to climax. Read the study

Study: Robotic Surgery vs. Open Radical Prostatectomy

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:57:24 GMT

In October of 2009, we wrote about a study that reported that while men who undergo minimally invasive approaches (like robotic-assisted surgery) may experience shorter hospital stays and fewer respiratory problems, surgical complications, and strictures, they experience more genitourinary complications, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence. Now a study by Carlsson et al, which was published in the December issue of Urology (online edition), reports that men who undergo robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) have less risk of surgical complications, such as bladder neck contractures, blood transfusions, and postoperative wound infections than men who undergo open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP). The study looked at a total of 1,738 men. Of that number, 1,253 had RARP and 485 had RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer. Surgery-related complications were assessed using a hospital-based complication registry. In the RRP group, 112 men (23) needed blood transfusions, compared with 58 men (4.8) in the RARP group. Complications caused by infections occurred in 44 men (9) in the RRP group, compared with 18 men (1) in the RARP group. Bladder neck contracture was treated in 22 (4.5) men who had RRP compared with 3 men (0.2) in the RARP group. As with any surgery for prostate cancer, the skill and experience of the surgeon is paramount. It has been reported that it takes longer for a surgeon to become proficient in performing robotic surgery than traditional radical prostatectomy. It is important to ask how many of these surgeries a surgeon has performed, and what the success rate of those surgeries were (i.e., number of men who had positive surgical margins, incontinence and impotence rates, prostate cancer recurrence rate). If a doctor throws statistics at you, ask where those statistics come from. Are the numbers based on the surgeon's personal practice, or is the surgeon quoting from a clinical study that involved highly skilled surgeons (like this one)?

Study: Suicide Risk Greater in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:26:57 GMT

Depression is common after a diagnosis of prostate cancer, but a Swedish study by Bill Axelson et al, showed that the risk of suicide was twice as high among men with locally advanced or metastatic disease, compared with an age-matched male population. No increased risk of committing suicide was observed among men diagnosed with early prostate cancer (nonpalpable T1c prostate tumors diagnosed after PSA testing). The study reviewed data from the Swedish National Prostate Cancer Register, including the number of reported suicides (128 among 77,439 prostate cancer cases). Risk of increase in suicide was not noted for 22,405 men with PSA-detected T1c tumors. But among the 22,929 men with locally advanced nonmetastatic tumors, and 8,350 men with distant metastases, there was a significantly higher number of suicides. To learn about the signs and symptoms of depression, click here. To read the study abstract from the online edition of European Urology, click here.

Antibody Shows Promise for Prostate Cancer

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:57:16 GMT

Researchers have identified an mAb (a monoclonal antibody called F77) that is capable of binding to a cell surface antigen specifically expressed on both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells in mice. The results of the study (by Zhang et al), were published earlier this month online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. While the study results are promising (if it truly has the potential to only target cancer cells, and not healthy cells, tissues, or organs), it is important to bear in mind that this research was conducted in animal studies. Until it is proven to be effective in large-scale human studies, it cannot be considered to be a viable treatment for prostate cancer. Read the study abstract.

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy More Costly

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:34:01 GMT

Retropubic radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy cost less than robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, according to a new study by Bolenz et al, which was published in European Urology). Direct and component costs were compared in this study of 643 men (262 men had robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, 220 men had laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and 161 men had retropubic radical prostatectomy). Not surprisingly, the average length of a man's hospital stay was higher for retropubic radical prostatectomy than for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The median direct cost of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, however, was $6,752 (median is the number that falls in the middle of the full range of the numbers, which in this case was $6,283 to $7,369). For laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, the median direct cost was $5,687 (the range was $4,941 to $5,905). And for retropubic radical prostatectomy, the median direct cost was $4,437 (the range was from $3,989 to $5,141). Surgical supply cost was higher for robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy ($2,015 vs $725 for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and $185 for retropubic radical prostatectomy). Operating room cost was also higher for robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy ($2,798 vs $2,453 for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and $1,611 for retropubic radical prostatectomy). Read the abstract.

Beer for Prostate Cancer?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:45:50 GMT

More news from the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference includes the use of the natural compound xanthohumol (a flavonoid found in hops, which is used to make beer) to block the effects of the male hormone testosterone in the hope it can aid in prostate cancer prevention. Researchers are first looking to prove that xanthohumol prevents prostate cancer in laboratory and animal tests, before moving on to human studies. Hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells were stimulated with testosterone, which resulted in a massive secretion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). After the cells were treated with testosterone and xanthohumol, researchers noted that xanthohumol inhibited the cells from secreting PSA. Read more.

Coffee and Advanced Prostate Cancer

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:15:31 GMT

Another interesting finding presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference is that there may be a relationship between regular coffee consumption and the risk of advanced prostate cancer. In a prospective investigation (a research effort that follows over time groups of individuals who are similar in some respects), researchers found that those men who drank the most java had a 60 percent lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer than the men who did not drink any coffee. Coffee contains many biologically active compounds, including antioxidants and minerals, and researchers aren't sure which ingredients may be the most beneficial. More studies are needed before men rush to increase their coffee consumption. Read more.

Exercise and Prostate Cancer

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:58:11 GMT

A new study that assessed physical activity levels of 2,686 men with prostate cancer suggests that men who exercise as little as 15 minutes a day may reduce their risk of death. According to findings presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, men who engaged in three or more hours of "metabolic equivalent tasks" a week (equivalent to jogging, biking, swimming or playing tennis for about a half-hour per week) had a 35 percent lower risk of overall mortality. Read more.

Can Statins Lower More Than Cholesterol in Men With Prostate Cancer?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:55:17 GMT

A new study by Loeb et al suggests that statins (drugs primarily used to lower cholesterol) may reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Researchers looked at the records of 1351 men (504 of which were taking statins) who had radical prostatectomy. The men who were taking statins were significantly older and had a higher mean body mass index than the men who were not taking statins. Researchers found that PSA levels prior to surgery, tumor volume, and the percentage of cancer found in specimens removed during surgery were significantly lower in the men who were taking statins. They also found that the men taking statins had a significantly lower risk of positive (cancerous) surgical margins. Read the abstract.

Whats Age Got to Do With Surgery and Risk of Recurrence?

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:13:32 GMT

A retrospective analysis of men who had radical prostatectomy from 1988 to 2008 (Barlow et al in BJU Int. Oct 26, 2009 [Epub ahead of print]) suggests that younger men (age 40 to 64) who undergo radical prostatectomy have a lower rate of prostate cancer recurrence than older men (age 65 or more). The study looked at two groups of men. The first group of 1325 men aged 40 to 64 years had 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of 80.6. The second group of 659 men who were greater than or equal to 65 years of age had RFS rates of 75.6. Recurrence was defined as a single PSA level of greater than or equal to 0.2 ng/mL at least 28 days after surgery. The study authors concluded, however, that age alone is not a predictor of recurrence when accounting for PSA level, grade, and stage of prostate cancer. Read the abstract.

Clinical Trial Will Study Late-Stage Prostate Cancer Drug

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:22:14 GMT

Tulane Cancer Center is recruiting men for an experimental new treatment for late-stage prostate cancer. This is a multi-center, phase III, randomized clinical trial that is recruiting men at 100 sites in 20 countries. Men who have advanced prostate cancer that has spread to their bones may be eligible for the trial, which will study Alpharadin (pronounced Alpha-raydinan), an injectable treatment based on the radioactive substance Radium-223, an alpha-particle emitting pharmaceutical. All men will receive standard therapy and two-thirds of men will receive also Alpharadin. The other third of men will receive placebo in addition to standard of care therapy. According to Tulane Cancer Center, early clinical trials of Alpharadin have suggested that it is well tolerated and may prolong survival for men whose prostate cancer no longer responds to hormone therapy and has spread to the bones. Men who want to learn more about this trial, which is being sponsored by Algeta, in partnership with Bayer Schering Pharma AG, can call the Cancer Center at 504-988-7869 or e-mail Dr. Oliver Sartor at osartor@tulane.edu to find out how to enroll in the study.

Newer Provenge (Sipuleucel-T) Clinical Trial Recruiting Men in Six States

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:52:26 GMT

While Provenge (Sipuleucel-T) is not yet FDA approved, it may be available in a new Dendreon-sponsored multicenter, open label (no placebo), phase 2 study of men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer if a man fits the criteria to be eligible. (Note: This trial is different from the previous ProACT trial, which used lower concentrations of Sipuleucel-T, and required that men live close to the trial site). The trial is also available to men who received placebo during the previous trial. Some basic criteria (see link below for the full list) for being considered include having:

Metastatic disease
Castrate-resistant prostate cancer (this means men who no longer respond to surgical or medical castration, such as hormone therapy)
PSA of at least 5.0 ng/mL
Castrate level of testosterone (less than 50 ng/dL) achieved via medical or surgical castration
Life expectancy of at least 3 months
Adequate hematologic, renal and liver function
No lung, liver, or brain metastases

It must also be at least 28 days since a man has: used systemic corticosteroids (use of inhaled, intranasal, intra-articular, and topical steroids is acceptable, as is a short course (ie, less than or equal to 1 day) of corticosteroids to prevent a reaction to the IV contrast used for CT scans); used non-steroidal anti-androgens (eg, bicalutamide, flutamide, or nilutamide); had external beam radiation therapy or major surgery requiring general anesthetic; had any other systemic therapy for prostate cancer including secondary hormonal therapies, such as megestrol acetate (Megace), diethylstilbestrol (DES), and ketoconazole; received chemotherapy; or had treatment with any other investigational product. Current trial sites include Park Ridge, Illinois; Greenbelt, Maryland; Durham, North Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; New York, New York; and Seattle, Washington. Men must contact the trial site they are interested in to find out if they meet all the criteria. To learn more, including the phone numbers of the trial sites, click here.

Study: Women More Likely To Stand by Their Men

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:38:15 GMT

Reuters Life reports on a study that suggests that a woman may be more likely to stick with her man when he is facing a serious illness like cancer or multiple sclerosis. On the down side, men may be less likely to stand by women with the same illnesses. The study, which was conducted by the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Stanford University School of Medicine, followed 515 men and women from 2001 and 2002 until 2006. The separation or divorce rate among women who either had a malignant primary brain tumor, a solid tumor with no central nervous system involvement, or multiple sclerosis was six times higher than men with these conditions. Read more

Study: Aspirin and Prostate Cancer Recurrence

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:56:01 GMT

Results of a study by Choe et al, have demonstrated that the use of anti-clotting drugs (aspirin, Coumadin, and Plavix) appears to lower the chance of prostate cancer recurrence in men who also received radiation treatment, according to news reports by Web MD and Medscape Today. The study involved 662 men with prostate cancer who had external beam radiation or brachytherapy from 1988 to 2005. Approximately four years after treatment, cancer recurrence was reported in 9 of men taking an anti-clotting drug (versus 22 of men who did not). But the three drugs were not analyzed separately. Internal bleeding is a risk of anti-clotting drugs (including aspirin) so no man should start taking these drugs without first consulting his physician. Coumadin and Plavix have also been associated with rectal bleeding in men receiving radiation treatment. While this initial study is encouraging, more studies are needed to confirm the potential role of anti-clotting drugs in prostate cancer treatment.

Study: Chemo-Radiation Prior to Surgery

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:05:43 GMT

Other news from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting this week includes results of a very small, two-year study of 12 men that suggests that a combination of radiation and chemotherapy (docetaxel) prior to surgery may have the potential to reduce cancer recurrence and improve patient survival in men with aggressive prostate cancer. Each man was given intensity-modulated radiation therapy and increasing doses of docetaxel for five weeks prior to surgical removal of the prostate gland. An Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute press release states that the researchers (who were also from the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center) base their conclusion on the fact that cancer margins post-surgery were clean in 75 percent of men, which was higher than they expected, and PSA levels were undetectable.

Study: Who Benefits From Short-Term Hormone Therapy Plus Radiation

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:25:25 GMT

Medical News Today is reporting results from a large randomized trial of 1,979 men who had cancer confined to the prostate, and a PSA less than or equal to 20. Results suggest that short-term hormone therapy administered before and during intermediate dose radiation therapy provides a small but significant survival benefit for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer, compared to men who receive radiation alone. The results of this Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study were presented November 2, 2009 at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting. The article concludes, however, that there was no benefit from dual treatment in the group of men with low-risk cancer. The article does not define what parameters were used to classify men as low-risk versus intermediate risk. Hopefully, this information will be provided when the full study results are published. Read the article

Hair-Raising Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:43:02 GMT

Movember (the month that used to be called November) is a unique moustache-growing charity event that runs during November of every year to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Starting Movember 1, men must register with a clean shaven face. Called Mo Bros, these men have the whole month to grow and groom their Mo, raising money along the way to benefit organizations including the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Women (called Mo Sistas) can also help by encouraging their men to get involved, by forming a team, launching an event, or simply by making a donation to support a Mo Bro. Visit their web site to learn more or register.

Penile Implants for Erection Problems After Prostate Cancer

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:14:54 GMT

Read about the different types of penile implants that are available to help a man achieve an erection.

Prostate Cancer Support Groups For Wives and Partners

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:10:44 GMT

A list of prostate cancer support groups specifically for wives and partners.

WAPC Launches Intimacy Fact Sheet

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:43:38 GMT

Women Against Prostate Cancer has developed an intimacy fact sheet titled: "Prostate Cancer Sexual & Intimacy: Everything You Wanted to Know But Didn't Know to Ask". You can download it for free here.

Participants Needed for Online Sexuality Survey

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:29:16 GMT

Dr. Jo-an Baldwin Peters (PhD) is the principle investigator of an online survey for prostate cancer survivors and their partners. This online survey is a follow up to her dissertation (on how prostate cancer treatments impinge on the sexuality of both partners) as several trends showed up that demand further investigation. Click the permalink below for further details.

How Are Physicians Addressing Quality of Life Issues?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:09:21 GMT

According to results of a study by Sonn et al, which appears in the November issue of The Journal of Urology, urologists inform men about potential problems in urinary and sexual function following treatment for prostate cancer (prostatectomy, brachytherapy or external beam radiation therapy) more often than they inform them about fatigue or pain. The study authors noted that in men treated for localized prostate cancer, physician ratings of symptoms did not match men's self-assessments of health-related quality of life. The Journal of Urology Editor, William D. Steers, commented that from 2001 to 2007, there was a 16 difference for sexual function and a 22 difference for incontinence reporting between men and their physicians. However, for fatigue, pain, and bowel problems the difference was nearly 50.

Read Before Rushing Into Robotic Surgery

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:15:33 GMT

While men who undergo minimally invasive approaches (like robotic-assisted surgery for prostate removal) may experience shorter hospital stays and fewer respiratory problems, surgical complications, and strictures, they experience more genitourinary complications, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence, according to a study by Hu et al, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. As we've reported previously, it has been suggested that a surgeon must perform at least 250 open radical prostatectomies to become proficient in the technique versus 750 laparoscopic surgeries. Several months back, a USA Today article reported that doctors who are used to performing traditional surgery have a harder time learning keyhole techniques than novice surgeons who are learning to perform the procedure for the first time. Despite being "newer" and "less invasive," robotic-assisted surgery still requires the utmost skill of the surgeon performing it. If your surgeon is suggesting you take this route, make sure he or she isn't still learning how to do it!

Low Gleason Score Doesnt Always Mean Low Risk

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:24:44 GMT

A low Gleason score at biopsy is not always a predictor of low-risk disease, according to a study by Isbarn et al published September 14 in the online edition of BJUI. The study looked at 1106 men with PSA levels ≤10 ng/mL, and a biopsy Gleason score of ≤3+3 or 3+4, who had open radical prostatectomy. Men with 2 or less positive biopsy cores were put into a low-risk group, and men with 3 or more positive biopsy cores were put into a high-risk group. The percentage of positive biopsy cores were also factored in (<50 or ≥50). The pathological stage and the 5-year biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival rates were then examined. Read more here.

Study: Less Distress but More Depression for Older Men with Prostate Cancer

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:59:18 GMT

Aging is related to less distress and less anxiety in men with prostate cancer, but is associated with greater symptoms of depression, according to a new study by Nelson et al. The study, which appears in the September issue of The Oncologist, analyzed data from two questionnaires, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a Distress Thermometer. The ages of the 716 men included in the study ranged from 50 to 93 years, with a mean age of 68. Results suggest that while older men with prostate cancer may appear to cope better than younger men with the disease, there may actually be an increased risk for depression in older men.

Penetrative Sex After Prostate Cancer: How Important is It?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:52:00 GMT

Loss of penetrative sex after prostate cancer is something that some couples mourn. Dr. Jo-an Baldwin Peters shares insights from her research study on loss of normal intercourse after treatment

Study: Side Effects of Salvage Radiation

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:54:46 GMT

The Mayo Clinic has issued a press release citing few complications in a study of 308 men who received salvage radiation for cancer recurrence following radical prostatectomy. They report that five years (median follow-up) after the men received salvage external beam radiotherapy, there were no fatal side effects. One patient had a serious (grade 4) complication. According to an in press Radiotherapy and Oncology article by Peterson et al (which will be published next month), this was a rectal complication that resulted in a colostomy. Three men had a grade 3 side effect (cystitis). Milder side effects were reported and successfully treated in an additional 37 men. The Mayo Clinic press release states that urinary leakage was not reported to be a common side effect of treatment. The in press article, however, notes that the study authors could not fully evaluate urinary incontinence because detailed information was only available for 176 of the men. Also, according to the in press article, erectile function was not evaluated in a manner that allowed accurate appraisal.

Adjuvant Radiation and Sexual Function

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:32:03 GMT

A wife recently asked us about the effects of adjuvant radiation (radiation treatment right after radical prostatectomy) on sexual functioning. As fate would have it, we came across an article by Wittmann et al, which appears in the current issue of the International Journal of Impotence Research. The article does a nice job of reviewing the clinical research studies on this topic (which are really only beginning to emerge). It also highlights the need for counseling couples about sexual health when considering post-prostatectomy radiation treatment (something we wish physicians would do for all treatments for prostate cancer). The authors conclude that while radiation (whether adjuvant or salvage) may negatively affect erectile function (and they point out that the evidence for this is uneven and sometimes contradictory), if it prevents cancer recurrence or the need for hormone therapy, then it is something to be considered in men with a high risk of disease recurrence. Read the full article here.

Protein May Help Predict Aggressive Cancer

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:50:31 GMT

The big news this week is that small heat shock protein Hsp-27 may be useful in predicting how aggressive prostate cancer may be when a man is first diagnosed, according to a laboratory study by Foster et al, which was published in the British Journal of Cancer. The study authors believe that this protein, or biomarker, can be used to predict if prostate cancer will continue to progress, and help determine if a man requires immediate treatment. More research will most likely follow, however, before men will be widely tested for the presence of this protein. Click for the study abstract.

New Women Against Prostate Cancer Chapter Formed

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:09:20 GMT

Women Against Prostate Cancer (WAPC) has partnered with Roswell Park Cancer Institute to establish the Western New York Chapter of Women Against Prostate Cancer. The Western New York Chapter of WAPC will hold meetings the third Wednesday of each month, beginning in September. The meetings are open to all women, regardless of where your loved one was treated or your relationship to him. To learn more, click here.

Study: Hormone Therapy Plus Radiation Posed Risk For Men With Heart Disease

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:05:30 GMT

The August 26th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association includes results of a single-center study of 5,077 men with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer who received hormone therapy in addition to brachytherapy. Those men who had existing heart disease (such as coronary artery disease-induced congestive heart failure or a previous heart attack), were at higher risk of death than men with no heart disease or a single risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Pot for Prostate Cancer?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:32:24 GMT

Certain active chemicals in cannabis (called cannabinoids) have been shown to stop prostate cancer cells from growing in laboratory mice, according to new research published in the British Journal of Cancer. But this work is still very preliminary, and researchers warn that it definitely does not mean that men should rush out and starting smoking marijuana.

Study: Bisphosphonate Benefited Men With Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:26:30 GMT

A British study by Dearnaley et al (covered in the August 11 online edition of The Lancet) reports that men with metastatic prostate cancer who took oral sodium clodronate (a bisphosphonate used to slow development of symptoms of bone metastases) while undergoing long-term hormone therapy had an improved survival rate. The study looked at 311 men with metastatic prostate cancer and 508 men with non-metastatic disease. There was no survival benefit reported in men with non-metastatic disease.

New Studies Show Promise For Denosumab

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:16:25 GMT

This week Amgen Inc. announced the publication of results from two Phase 3 studies investigating the safety and effectiveness of denosumab in reducing fracture risk in more than 1,400 men with non-metastatic prostate cancer who had androgen deprivation therapy leading to bone loss (researchers also studied more than 7,800 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis). Both studies appear in The New England Journal of Medicine. Amgen reports that patients who received denosumab twice a year had significant increases in bone mineral density compared to placebo (no treatment). There was also more than a 60 percent reduction in vertebral fracture in both men and women. Denosumab is the first fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically targets RANK Ligand, an essential regulator of cells that break down bone (called osteoclasts). It is in the late stage of clinical development and is awaiting FDA approval.

PSA Velocity, How Useful Is It?

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:51:29 GMT

This simple explanation of PSA velocity will help you understand how this tool is used to assess a mans risk for prostate cancer.

Upcoming Prostate Cancer Events

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:32:40 GMT

A listing of upcoming education, advocacy, and fundraising events.

Study: Few Men Die 15 Years After Radical Prostatectomy

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:48:14 GMT

A study reported by Stephenson et al in this month's Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that few men (12) will die from prostate cancer within 15 years of having radical prostatectomy, even with the presence of adverse clinical features. The study analyzed 12,677 men who had radical prostatectomy between 1987 and 2005. The authors state that this encouraging prognosis is either related to the effectiveness of radical prostatectomy (with or without secondary therapy) or due to the low risk of death from screen-detected prostate cancers.

Managing Emotions When Your Loved One Has Prostate Cancer.

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:07:38 GMT

Coping with emotions when your loved one has prostate cancer is a day-by-day experience. Your feelings may change from hour to hour, or minute- to-minute, on any given day.

Stress and Prostate CancerWives/Partners Must Cope with Both

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:59:53 GMT

How stress affects wives and partners of men with prostate cancer.

Coping With Incontinence After Prostate Cancer Treatment

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:46:55 GMT

Incontinence is another troubling side effect that can occur after treatment for prostate cancer. Here's what you can do about it.

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer, Proton Beam Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:37:46 GMT

Is proton therapy for prostate cancer better than traditional radiation treatment? Read this to find out.