| Research
TREATMENT
UNNECCESSARY?
New research strongly suggests that the majority of men diagnosed
with low grade prostate cancer do not need to undergo the
radical treatment currently used. The modelled data published
in the British Journal of Cancer predict that only 1% of men
(aged 55 to 59) with low grade , screen detected Prostate
Cancers would die from their disease within 15 years, even
without treatment. However, men with high grade Prostate Cancer
should benefit from treatment.
LASERS
It has been reported that lasers could be used to treat prostate
cancer patients and spare them the side effects of more invasive
surgery. A team at University College London is carrying out
trials using photo-dynamic therapy to treat prostate cancer.
DOCETAXEL
(Taxotere)
This drug which is used in late stage Prostate Cancer, was
not approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in November
2005 - "cost effectiveness has not been demonstrated".
The Scottish Association of Prostate Cancer Support Groups
was unhappy with this decision and made representations to
this effect. We are pleased to report that NHS Quality improvement
Scotland has recently stated that the NICE (National Institute
for Clinical Excellence) appraisal in favour of the drug supercedes
the SMC advice.
BEST
TREATMENT
For the first time, NHS Direct Online has a 'Best Treatment'
section on prostate cancer. The new Best Treatment resource,
which the NHS is running in conjunction with the BMJ, provides
very clear information on the most common health conditions
including explanations of the pros and cons of elective surgery
procedures, details of other treatments available, and advice
on pre-and post-operative care.
SELF
HELP
Self-help leads to longer survival
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