Radiation, Hormone Treatment Combo May Help with Some Prostate Cancers

While many of the 180,000 American men likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year will find their condition is low risk, that is simply not always the case. Some men will find their diagnosis relates to a more aggressive, higher risk form of the disease. New research, however, is showing that a combination treatment may offer some of those in the higher risk category a greater chance for successful treatment with a significantly higher five-year disease-free survival rate.

Hypofractionated Radiotherapy and Prostate Cancer

Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are very likely to find that some form of radiation treatment is recommended to help ensure this disease is effectively tackled. While radiation can present with the potential for side effects, this option is one of the most effective for killing off cancer cells. Some forms of radiation therapy, however, may increase the risks for side effects. Researchers are finding, in fact, that hypofractionated radiotherapy may present with a greater risk of late toxicity than conventional radiation treatment methods.

Why Communication Matters In Prostate Cancer Treatment

Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will find their lives turned upside down as soon as the words leave their healthcare provider’s mouth. With a myriad of decisions to make and unfamiliar territory to traverse, the time immediately following diagnosis can be especially difficult. Open communication between a man and his healthcare provider during the diagnosis phase, treatment and long after, however, can greatly improve quality of life.

High Dose Radiation And Prostate Cancer Treatment

As highly targeted radiation options become more widely available, many cancer patients are finding that their treatment involves higher doses delivered over a shorter period of time. While this can be especially helpful in treating a variety of cancers while limiting the procedures patients must endure, researchers are finding that higher dose delivery isn’t always the best path to take. For low-risk prostate cancer patients, in fact, a new study indicates that higher dose treatments may not always produce the best results.

Blood Test May Offer More Accuracy Than PSA

As the prostate-specific antigen tests remains under fire for its track record of inaccuracies, researchers in Sweden believe they’ve found a better blood test. Designed to screen for prostate cancer using a large number of markers, the test has held up well in studies so far for its ability to accurately detect aggressive prostate cancer.

Surgical Castration Works Better Than Drugs in Prostate Cancer, Study Finds

While many of the estimated 200,000 American men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year will find their recommended treatments are very mild, some may learn that more drastic measures are needed. In advanced cases of metastatic prostate cancer, in fact, chemical castration is sometimes recommended to better control the disease by blocking a hormonal fuel source.  Researchers are finding, however, that surgical castration could be the superior option.

An Aspirin A Day May Keep Prostate Cancer At Bay

Men looking to lower their risks for developing prostate cancer may find that taking a simple aspirin a day can help. For those who have already been diagnosed with this disease, regular aspirin usage may help lower the risk of death associated with this disease.