Prostate Cancer

Update : Blood tests called liquid biopsies for cancer screening, monitoring and treatment

Most relevant for: People considering a liquid biopsy to screen for cancer

Could a simple blood test change cancer detection, treatment and monitoring? Several companies are offering a type of blood test known as a liquid biopsy to detect multiple cancers at their earliest stages, monitor response to treatment and help choose the best treatment. Although progress has been made using liquid biopsies to treat cancer, these tests have not yet been shown to detect cancer early enough to save lives. (posted 9/29/21)

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Article : Transgender peoples' perspectives of being diagnosed with gender-associated cancer

Most relevant for: transgender people

An ABC News article provides viewpoints and data that conveys the added stress experienced by transgender and gender-nonconforming people when they are diagnosed with gender-associated cancer (e.g., ovarian or prostate cancer) that does not match their gender identity. (posted 9/13/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Test score may predict which prostate cancer patients can safely skip combined therapy

Most relevant for: Men with advanced prostate cancer

This study shows that a test score that estimates the aggressiveness of a person’s prostate cancer may also identify the best treatment for patients. (posted 7/9/21)

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Study : Cancer risks of people with inherited PALB2 mutations

Most relevant for: people with inherited PALB2 mutations

In the largest study of people with inherited PALB2 mutations to date, the gene was linked to increased lifetime risk of breast cancer in women and men, ovarian and pancreatic cancer but not prostate or colorectal cancer. (posted 7/1/21)

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Study : Body Mass Index (BMI) may affect how well aspirin use protects against colorectal and ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: People concerned about their risk of colorectal or ovarian cancer.

This study looked at the impact of daily aspirin use on the risk for many types of cancers and whether this effect can be modified by risk factors such as obesity, smoking, physical inactivity or a family history of cancer. Daily aspirin use: 

• lowered the risk for colorectal cancer, but this effect was lost as Body Mass Index (BMI) increased.
• lowered the risk of ovarian cancer risk among obese women.
• offered little or no protection against breast, endometrial or advanced prostate cancer.

(posted 3/19/21)

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Update : FDA approves Orgovyx, the first oral hormone therapy of its type for treating advanced prostate cancer

Most relevant for: Men with advanced prostate cancer

In December 2020, the FDA approved Orgovyx to treat advanced prostate cancer. The findings were based on the HERO clinical trial of more than 900 men. Data from this trial showed the new therapy was safer than standard androgen deprivation treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer and risk of cardiovascular disease. (2/18/21)

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Guideline : COVID vaccines for people with cancer

Most relevant for: Cancer patients, their family and caregivers

Should cancer patients get a COVID vaccine? The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provide guidance for people with cancer. These experts recommend that most cancer patients get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is offered (unless they are allergic to a vaccine component). Cancer patients who have had recent surgery may delay vaccination a few days after surgery. Those with a suppressed immune system are advised to delay getting the vaccine until they’re healthy enough to do so. (2/1/21)

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Update : FDA approves new imaging drug for detecting spread of prostate cancer

Most relevant for: Men with prostate cancer

On December 1, 2020 the FDA approved a new type of imaging technology to confirm the spread of newly diagnosed prostate cancer that is suspected to be metastatic. The approval also includes use for confirming suspected recurrence in men who have rising PSA after treatment. The approval is based on two clinical trials that showed this new technique to be safe and consistent in accurately detecting cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. (1/7/21)

THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED on 5/10/2022:  On March 23, 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug called Pluvicto to treat patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. ON the same day, the FDA also approved a new imaging drug called Locametz (a brand of Gallium 68 PSMA-11) for identification of those patients who would benefit from treatment with Pluvicto. Read about the FDA approval of Pluvicto and Locametz here.

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Study : New imaging technology shows promise in detecting of spread of prostate cancer

Most relevant for: Men with high-risk prostate cancer

A new imaging technique is currently being tested to see if it can detect the spread of prostate cancer sooner than standard imaging. Two clinical trials show that the new technique can detect the spread of prostate cancer in men who are newly diagnosed and in men whose cancer returns after treatment. (10/16/20)

Personal Story : Coping with chemotherapy-induced hair loss

Most relevant for: People who receive chemotherapy for cancer treatment

Ovarian cancer survivor Stephanie Hess shared her personal story about how she coped with hair loss. This XRAY review also includes treatments to reduce this common side effect of chemotherapy. (9/28/20)