prostate-report.org

Study provides new information on prostate cancer care costs

A team that reviewed early stage prostate-cancer cases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database.has revealed that short-term and long-term costs of prostate cancer care vary considerably based on which treatment strategy a man initially receives. The study finds that treatments that may be less expensive in the short-term may have higher long-term costs.

Various treatments are available for men with early stage prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal treatment, watchful waiting, or combinations of the above. A certain variety of factors determines which treatment is appropriate for a given man, and in some cases, a man may be able to choose among several options. Cost is one of many factors to consider when choosing among these options. [ read more ]

The case of robot-assisted surgery

Tthis week’s issue of New England Journal of Medicine provides an article that addresses the rapid increase in the number of robot-assisted surgical procedures carried out in the US between 2005 and 2008.

The article focuses in particular in the significant increase in the annual number of radical prostatectomies that appear to have occurred because of the introduction of the da Vinci technology, and the increased costs of these surgeries.

Study autors conclude that the introduction of the robotic technology may have increased both the cost per surgical procedure and the volume of cases treated surgically. However, the evidence suggests that despite the short-term benefits, robotic technology may not have improved patient outcomes or quality of life in the long run.

The symptoms of prostate cancer

Here are some of the symptoms of prostate cancer, there is no early warning signs, the symptoms unfortunately happens when the malignant tumor has caused the prostate to swell.

<> Having frequent urination, especially at night.
<> Having a difficult time stopping or starting the urine stream.
<> A weak or interrupted urinary stream.
<> A painful or burning sensation during urinating or ejaculation.
<> Blood in your pee or semen.

These are the advanced stages of the prostate cancer;

<> Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss.
<> Fatigue and swelling of your genitals.

Study finds increased diagnostic activity among men with family history of prostate cancer

Family history is considered as a stronger risk for prostate cancer than for many other cancers. Previous epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of the disease for brothers and sons of men with the disease. Since the introduction and wide-spread usage of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in the early 1990s, the sons and brothers of men with prostate cancer have undergone more diagnostic activity.

According to a study published online August 19 in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the brothers of men with prostate cancer are at an increased risk of prostate cancer diagnosis because of increased diagnostic activity and not necessarily because they carry a genetic mutation that increases risk of the disease.

Laser-Triggered nanoblasts treat cells

Using chemical “nanoblasts” that punch tiny holes in the protective membranes of cells, researchers have demonstrated a new technique for getting therapeutic small molecules, proteins and DNA directly into living cells.

The work is believed to be the first to use activation of reactive carbon nanoparticles by lasers for medical applications. Additional research and clinical trials will be needed before the technique could be used in humans

Carbon nanoparticles activated by bursts of laser light trigger the tiny blasts, which open holes in cell membranes just long enough to admit therapeutic agents contained in the surrounding fluid. By adjusting laser exposure, the researchers administered a small-molecule marker compound to 90 percent of targeted cells – while keeping more than 90 percent of the cells alive.

New treatment tries to zap prostate cancer away

Doctors at NYU Langone Medical Center suggest an experimental treatment that targets cancer cells specifically. It’s about a new treatment for prostate cancer that uses lasers and lights to try to zap the cancer in its tracks. This new experimental procedure targets the cancer cells specifically, which could mean fewer side effects than traditional

Thin laser activated needles are positioned over the prostate where cancer cells are identified. The patient is then given a drug activated by light.

Asthma inhalers ‘up prostate cancer risk’

A new study conducted by a team of scientists in Melbourne, Australia, has found that drugs used by thousands of men to treat asthma may increase the risk of prostate cancer. According to the study, among this group, the risk of cancer increases by up to 70 per cent, reports the Daily Mail.

The study has shown that men who regularly take inhaled steroids to keep their asthma under control are almost 40 per cent more likely than men without asthma to develop a tumour. Those who regularly use another type of inhaler - a bronchodilator - to relieve wheezing are 36 per cent more at risk of the disease. But the biggest danger appears to be among men with severe asthma who frequently need treatment with steroid tablets or injections.

The results have been published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

A new machine may help treat prostate cancer

At an international conference on the disease on the Gold Coast, Australia, researchers frpom Queensland University of Technology’s have announced a MAJOR advance in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in Australian men.

The CellSearch machine, the first of its kind in Australasia, tests for circulating tumour cells which detach from solid tumours and enter the blood stream with the potential to spread cancers to other parts of the body.

The conference was told the machine, as well as a new multidisciplinary team clinic at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), represent a major leap forward in fighting the prostate cancer. The equipment would be a national resource for monitoring treatment response and predicting survival in patients with metastatic prostate, breast and colorectal cancer.

Study reveals potential marker for prostate cancer

New research by a Purdue University-led team has revealed a potential marker for prostate cancer. The team say it could be the starting point for less invasive testing and improved diagnosis of the disease.

The research team used a new analysis technique to create a profile of the lipids, or fats, found in prostate tissue and discovered a molecular compound that appears to be useful in identifying cancerous and precancerous tissue. The profile revealed that cholesterol sulfate is a compound that is absent in healthy prostate tissue, but is a major fat found in prostate cancer tumors.

Revolutionary new tool to fight prostate cancer

A BRENTWOOD hospital has become one of the first in the UK to use a revolutionary new surgical instrument which helps patients with prostate cancer.

The Prosurgics free hand robotic camera controller makes key hole surgery on the prostate more precise, improving recovery times for patients. The miniature camera, which is controlled by a remote device worn by the surgeon, is being used by surgeons at the Nuffield Hospital, in Shenfield Road.

According to urologists, It works in a similar way to wireless games technology, in that the robotic arm is controlled with a remote device worn by the surgeon. The great news for patients is this equipment will not only improve recovery time, but also the outcome of their surgery.