Two Agents Approved For Psma
On May 26, FDA approved piflufolastat F 18 for use in a type of imaging procedure called PSMA PET in people with prostate cancer. The approval covers the use of piflufolastat F 18 in patients suspected of having metastatic prostate cancer or recurrent prostate cancer . Last year, the agency approved another imaging agent for PSMA PET, Ga 68 PSMA-11, for the same uses, but its use is largely limited to the two institutions where it is made.
In a statement, Lantheus, which manufactures piflufolastat F 18, said the imaging agent will be immediately available in parts of the mid-Atlantic and southern regions with broad availability across the U.S. anticipated by year end.
PSMA is often overproduced by prostate cancer cells but is generally not produced by most normal cells, making it an excellent target for both PET imaging and targeted systemic radiation therapy like 177Lu-PSMA-617, Dr. Morris said.
In February 2008 Petes Prostate
It turned out that Pete had cancer. When I was first told I had prostate cancer, I didnt hear much else. Just the word cancer was a great shock, Pete said. Some men may find it hard to think of anything else for a while. The news that your cancer has returned after treatment can hit even harder and revive long-buried fears. When I learned nearly five years later my cancer had returned and was now in my bones, I didnt know what to think.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in men. More than 230,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year. Chances are you know someone who has prostate cancer or has been treated for it. More than 2.5 million men in the United States are survivors of prostate cancer. The survival rate is rising. Awareness, screening and better treatments are some of the reasons. If found at an early stage, prostate cancer has a very high chance of cure. Also, many prostate cancers that are found early may not be fast-growing or life threatening.
However, when prostate cancer spreads outside the prostate or reappears after initial treatment, it is known as advanced prostate cancer. Some men are told they have advanced prostate cancer when they are first diagnosed. Other men are diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer when their PSA levels rise months or years after surgery or radiation. At first, your doctor may suggest hormone therapy if you have advanced prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy For Prostate Cancer
Patients who no longer respond to hormone therapy have another option.
The chemotherapy drug docetaxel taken with or without prednisone is the standard chemotherapy regimen for patients who no longer respond to hormone therapy. Docetaxel works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing. Patients receive docetaxel, along with prednisone, through an injection. Side effects of docetaxel are similar to most chemotherapy drugs and include nausea, hair loss, and bone marrow suppression . Patients may also experience neuropathy and fluid retention.
Docetaxell, when used with or without prednisone, was the first chemotherapy drug proven to help patients live longer with advanced prostate cancer. The average survival was improved by about 2.5 months when compared to mitoxantrone with or without prednisone. Docetaxel has the best results when given every three weeks as compared to weekly dosing.
Cabazitaxel is another chemotherapy drug, used in combination with the steroid prednisone, to treat men with prostate cancer. Cabazitaxel is used in men with advanced prostate cancer that has progressed during, or after, treatment with docetaxelâââââââ .
Side effects in those treated with cabazitaxel included significant decrease in infection-fighting white blood cells , anemia, low level of platelets in the blood , diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, and renal failure.
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Impact On Everyday Care
Fatima Karzai, M.D., of the Genitourinary Malignancies Branch in NCIs Center for Cancer Research, called relugolix an exciting option for men with advanced prostate cancer. Its most obvious role will be in men with advanced prostate cancer who also have cardiovascular disease, Dr. Karzai said.
Although trial participants who received relugolix had a more than 50% lower risk of serious cardiac events, she said its unclear exactly why it poses less of a threat to the heart. Some studies have suggested, she noted, that the difference in how the two drugs work may also influence how they affect plaque deposits in the cardiovascular system.
Relugolix is not the first GnRH antagonist to be approved by FDA to treat men with advanced prostate cancer. Degarelix was approved more than a decade ago. However, degarelix is given as a monthly injection, and the injections can cause intense pain at the injection site, greatly limiting its use.
Dr. Karzai noted that there are still questions about using relugolix in patient care. For example, there might be problems with mens ability to take a pill every day, as opposed to only having to get an injection of leuprolide or related drugs every few months.
Dr. Morgans agreed that this could be a concern but noted that men with more advanced forms of prostate cancer also receive other drugs that are taken as pills and have been generally good about using them as prescribed.
Research Into Hormone Therapy
Prostate cancer depends on the male hormone testosterone for its growth. Hormone therapies block or lower the levels of testosterone. You might have it to lower the risk of your cancer coming back after treatment or to shrink or slow the growth of prostate cancer.
Researchers are looking into:
- the best time to have hormone therapy
- having hormone therapy in combination with other treatments
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Endocrine Therapy And Prostate Cancer
Male hormones, specifically testosterone, fuel the growth of prostate cancer. By reducing the amount and activity of testosterone, the growth of advanced prostate cancer is slowed. Hormone therapy, known as androgen ablation or androgen suppression therapy, is the main treatment for advanced prostate cancer. It is the first line of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer.
In many patients, endocrine therapy provides temporary relief of symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. Endocrine therapy may reduce tumor size and levels of prostate specific antigen in most men. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate gland that, when present in excess amounts, signals the presence of prostate cancer.
However, hormone therapy is not without side effects. Some of the more serious side effects include loss of sex drive, impotence, weakened bones , and possibly heart problems.
Eventually, most patients with advanced prostate cancer stop responding to hormone therapy. Doctors call this castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
Survival Rates By Stage
According to the National Cancer Institute, below are the survival rates based on the stages of cancer. Please note that the rates below are just estimates.
- Local stage: During this stage, there are no signs that cancer has spread outside the prostate gland. It is estimated that 4 out of 5 prostate cancers are found in this early stage. The relative 5-year survival rate for local stage prostate cancer is nearly 100%. 5-year survival rates are based on men diagnosed and first treated more than five years ago.
- Regional stage: During this stage, cancer has spread from the prostate to nearby areas. The relative 5-year survival rate for regional stage prostate cancer is nearly 100%.
- Distant stage: During this stage, cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, bones, or other organs. The relative 5-year survival rate for distant-stage prostate cancer is about 29%.
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Homeopathic Approach To The Treatment Of Prostate Cancer
The homeopathic approach has been gathering increasing popularity. Homeopathic prostate cancer treatment is effective when combined with other treatments. . In addition to other homeopathic remedies used, EuroMed Foundation prepares a homeopathic remedy from the patients pathology slides, and uses the specific remedy to attack the patients cancer.
Working in combination with complimentary cancer treatments, it increases the effectiveness of treatment. Although its by no means a way to singlehandedly treat the disease, the homeopathic approach has been effective in decreasing tumor growth and limiting the spread of disease.
Alternative Treatment For Prostate Cancer
As one of the more common types, prostate cancer is without a doubt one of the most publicly discussed and actively fought types of cancer today. With 1 out of 9 males in the U.S. diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, it is imperative to know all the options one has, in case they unwillingly have to join this dispiriting statistic. We use a wide range of alternative prostate cancer treatments working in combination with modified allopathic methods.
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Positive Aspects Of Laser Treatment
- Lasers are more precise and exact than blades . For instance, the tissue near a laser cut is not affected since there is little contact with skin or other tissue.
- The heat produced by lasers helps clean the edges of the body tissue that its cutting, reducing the risk of infection.
- Since laser heat seals blood vessels, there is less bleeding, swelling, pain, or scarring.
- Operating time may be shorter.
- Laser surgery may mean less cutting and damage to healthy tissues . For example, with fiber optics, laser light can be directed to parts of the body through very small cuts without having to make a large incision.
- More procedures may be done in outpatient settings.
- Healing time is often shorter.
Endocrine Drugs For Prostate Cancer
Drugs work as well as prostate cancer surgery to reduce the level of hormones in the body. Most men opt for drug therapy rather than surgery. The three types of hormone-related drugs approved to treat advanced prostate cancer include luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonists, and antiandrogens.
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Considering Complementary And Alternative Methods
You may hear about alternative or complementary methods that your doctor hasnt mentioned to treat your cancer or relieve symptoms. These methods can include vitamins, herbs, and special diets, or other methods such as acupuncture or massage, to name a few.
Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctors medical treatment. Although some of these methods might be helpful in relieving symptoms or helping you feel better, many have not been proven to work. Some might even be harmful.
Be sure to talk to your cancer care team about any method you are thinking about using. They can help you learn what is known about the method, which can help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose Sheba For Cancer Treatment In Israel
There are several excellent choices for cancer treatment in Israel, but The Cancer Center at Sheba Medical Center stands out for several reasons:
- Overall treatment of 50,000 cancer patients every year.
- Of those, 4,500 are new patients.
- About 35,000 patients each year are treated on an outpatient basis.
- About 37,000 patients are seen in our interdisciplinary oncology clinics every year.
- Our inpatient Oncology Department has 30 beds.
- Each year 2,000 new patients are treated in our Radiation Therapy Department.
- We provide brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy, to 270 patients annually.
- We offer compassionate and effective palliative treatment.
- We possess the latest in modern research laboratories.
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Types Of Treatment For Prostate Cancer
First, lets recap prostate cancer treatment basics, which will depend on a range of factors, including cancer stage and symptoms. Early-stage cancers may be treated with active surveillance, meaning your doctor will closely monitor it to see if it starts to progress before actively treating it. Once treatment begins, it may include a combination of surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. Advanced prostate cancers may be treated with a combination of hormone therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other drugs. So, whats new in the treatment field?
Fusion Guided Focal Laser Ablation Of Prostate Cancer
| The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
| Recruitment Status : Enrolling by invitationFirst Posted : May 3, 2016Last Update Posted : July 14, 2021 |
Background:
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in U.S. men. Treatments for early or less aggressive disease are limited. Researchers want to test a device that destroys cancerous tissue with laser energy. They want to see if using it with ultrasound is more comfortable than using it with magnetic resonance imaging .
Objectives:
To test a cooled laser applicator system to treat prostate cancer lesions. To see if ultrasound imaging is a practical and feasible treatment with laser ablation for focal prostate cancer treatment.
Eligibility:
Men at least 18 years old with prostate cancer seen on MRI that has not spread in the body.
Design:
Participants will be screened with standard cancer care tests. These can include physical exam, lab tests, and MRI. For the MRI, they lie in a machine that takes pictures. Participants will have a prostate biopsy. Needle samples will be taken from 12 places in the prostate. This will be guided by MRI and ultrasound, which is obtained through a coil in the rectum.
The cooling catheter will be removed. A different catheter will be put in the urethra to keep the bladder emptied.
Background:
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After Prostate Cancer Has Been Diagnosed Tests Are Done To Find Out If Cancer Cells Have Spread Within The Prostate Or To Other Parts Of The Body
The process used to find out if cancer has spread within theprostate or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment. The results of the tests used to diagnoseprostate cancer are often also used to stage the disease. In prostate cancer, staging tests may not be done unless the patient has symptoms or signs that the cancer has spread, such as bone pain, a high PSA level, or a high Gleason score.
The following tests and procedures also may be used in the staging process:
New Imaging Procedure At Qmg Designed To Improve Prostate Cancer Treatment
Quincy Medical Group Nuclear Medicine Technologists Jacki Wibbell and Beth Mealif are pictured with PET/CT scanner at the QMG Cancer Institute.
QUINCY A new imaging procedure at Quincy Medical Group will allow for more precise detection of prostate cancer and lead to improved treatment for men.
The prostate-specific membrane antigen or PSMA PET scan addition was announced Monday.
QMG Radiation Oncologist Dr. Michael Fallon said PSMA PET scans for prostate cancer provide better care for men who are initially diagnosed with prostate cancer or for men who were previously treated but have experienced a recurrence of the cancer. The PSMA PET technology provides detailed imaging allowing the QMG Care team to identify the extent of a patients prostate cancer.
PSMA is a specific protein manufactured by prostate cells. Recent studies have shown that a radioactive solution designed to attach to the PMSA protein greatly improves the ability of the PET scan to detect prostate cancer, Fallon said. This allows the radiologist to detect prostate cancer earlier in its progression, improving the ability to accurately diagnose, and treat prostate cancer.
Traditional method of prostate cancer imaging is done with a fluorodeoxyglucose PET scan. A PET scan can detect small amounts of certain radioactive particles.
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Help Getting Through Cancer Treatment
People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.
Whether you are thinking about treatment, getting treatment, or not being treated at all, you can still get supportive care to help with pain or other symptoms. Communicating with your cancer care team is important so you understand your diagnosis, what treatment is recommended, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life.
Different types of programs and support services may be helpful, and can be an important part of your care. These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help.
The American Cancer Society also has programs and services including rides to treatment, lodging, and more to help you get through treatment. Call our National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-227-2345 and speak with one of our trained specialists.
Biggest Breakthroughs In Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment
by Health Writer
Prostate cancer is most often diagnosed at an early and highly treatable stagebut if youre one of the men with advanced-stage prostate cancer at diagnosis, youre in a club whose numbers have risen in the last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Thankfully, advancements in prostate cancer research have led to promising improvements in treatment possibilities for this club. We spoke to the experts to learn more about breakthroughs that are changing the treatment game in prostate cancer.
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Prostate Cancer Laser Treatment Truly Transformative
Health and science reporter, BBC News website
Surgeons have described a new treatment for early stage prostate cancer as âtruly transformativeâ.
The approach, tested across Europe, uses lasers and a drug made from deep sea bacteria to eliminate tumours, but without causing severe side effects.
Trials on 413 men â published in The Lancet Oncology â showed nearly half of them had no remaining trace of cancer.
Lifelong impotence and incontinence are often the price of treating prostate cancer with surgery or radiotherapy.
Up to nine-in-10 patients develop erectile problems and up to a fifth struggle to control their bladders.
That is why many men with an early stage tumour choose to âwait and seeâ and have treatment only when it starts growing aggressively.
âThis changes everything,â said Prof Mark Emberton, who tested the technique at University College London.