A new study of more than 7,000 men suggests that those with localized prostate cancer (which means the disease hasn't spread beyond the prostate gland) who take cholesterol reducing statin drugs or anti-inflammatory agents live longer than men who don't use these medications.
Some of the well known statins include Zocor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Crestor, Lescol, and Mevacor. Commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Aleve).
Statins, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Prostate Cancer The study evaluated men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1990 and 2003. Nearly 65% underwent surgery to remove the prostate gland, while the remainder underwent radiation therapy. Both treatments are highly effective for treating localized prostate cancer.
After treatment, 1,824 men reported that they used statins. Approximately the same number of men took anti-inflammatory medications. The men were followed on the study for an average of three and a half years.
Results The results indicated that the men who took statins were 41-65% less likely to die during the course of the study than men who didn't. Similarly, the men who used anti-inflammatory drugs were 53-61% less likely to die than those who didn't. However, men who took either group of drugs within twelve months after prostate cancer treatment did not derive any life extending benefit.
In fact, the study found that men with prostate cancer who were treated with modern technique radiation therapy had a 10% greater chance of being cured of prostate cancer in the ten years after the diagnosis, compared to their counterparts who did not use these drugs.
Explaining the benefit Statin drugs inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells in the test tube. Also, evidence is accruing that prostate cancer may develop in lesions associated with chronic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be able to interfere with this process, thereby protecting men from developing prostate cancer.
Conclusions Although the results of this single study needs to confirmed with additional studies, the good news is that commonly used medications for medical problems other than prostate cancer seem to have an additional benefit for men with prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. At an advanced age, the risks of surgery for prostate cancer or other more radical treatments may actually be worse than the disease. The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm.
The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly: most men will never know they have the condition. Detected in its early stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured.
Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. If you have one or more prostate cancer symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. There are several symptoms to be aware of.
Weak or interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch out for. Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate at all.
Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is the digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor. One downside to PSA testing is that health care providers are detecting and treating some very early-stage prostate cancers that may never have caused the patient any harm. A chest x-ray may be done to see if there's a spread of cancer.
A prostate biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. What is called a free PSA may help tell the difference between BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), an enlargement of the prostate gland, and prostate cancer. The decision about whether to pursue a PSA test should be based on a discussion between you and your doctor.
Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. Whether radiation is as good as prostate removal is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure.
Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options.
Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you're taking and how often and how long they're taken. Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is picking the best treatment for you. In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative.
Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread.
Urinary incontinence can be a possible complication of surgery. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis.
As new research comes out adjust your treatment options accordingly. Just about all men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after their diagnosis, 93% survive at least 10 years, and 67% survive more than 15 years. The one thing that you should not do however is rely on any information obtained from the Internet to make your final decision.
Both Carol L. Kornmehl, M.D., FACRO & Helen Hecker are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Carol L. Kornmehl, M.D., FACRO has sinced written about articles on various topics from Types of Cancer. Dr. Kornmehl is a board certified radiation oncologist and author of the critically acclaimed consumer health book, "The Best News About Radiation Therapy" (M. Evans, 2004). She may be contacted via. Carol L. Kornmehl, M.D., FACRO's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
Helen Hecker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mortgage, Free Credit Report Score and Pimple. For more information on and prostate cancer symptoms go to. Helen Hecker's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.