Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

In Intermediate Risk PCa Fewer Weeks of Hormone Therapy Before Radiation Reduces Side Effects: Research

by Rukmani Krishna on September 25, 2013 at 11:44 PM
 In Intermediate Risk PCa Fewer Weeks of Hormone Therapy Before Radiation Reduces Side Effects: Research

A research has found that a shorter course of androgen suppression therapy prior to radiation therapy, when compared to a longer course of androgen suppression therapy, yields favorable outcomes and fewer adverse effects for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients. The research was presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology's (ASTRO) 55th Annual Meeting. The study confirmed a disease-specific-survival (DSS) rate of 95 percent when patients received fewer weeks of neoadjuvant (NEO) total androgen suppression (TAS).

The multi-institutional phase III trial, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9910, evaluated 1,490 intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients from 152 institutions in the U.S. and Canada. Patients were accrued from 2000 to 2004 and followed for an average of 9 years, and the average age of the men was 71 at the time of accrual. The patients were stratified and randomized into two groups―Group 1 consisted of 752 patients who received eight weeks of NEO TAS, and Group 2 consisted of 738 patients who received 28 weeks of NEO TAS. Both groups then received eight weeks of external beam radiation therapy (RT) and concurrent TAS.

Advertisement

Cumulative incidence was used to estimate and test efficacy for DSS, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure, locoregional tumor progression and distant metastasis. Overall survival (OS) rates were estimated via the Kaplan-Meier method and efficacy tested with log rank. There were 30 PCa deaths in Group 1, for a 10-year DSS rate of 95 percent; and 24 PCa deaths in Group 2, for a 10-year DSS rate of 96 percent (no statistical difference). There were 200 additional deaths not attributable to PCa in Group 1 for a 10-year OS rate of 66 percent, and 196 such deaths in Group 2, for a 10-year OS rate of 67 percent. By 10 years, 27 percent of patients had a PSA failure (using the newer RTOG-ASTRO definition of nadir+2), 5 percent had PCa recurrence in the prostate (locoregional) and 6 percent had distant metastasis. Hot flashes and erectile dysfunction were more common in Group 2.

"Sometimes, preliminary research leads us to assume that more treatment is better, but this study serves as a strong cautionary note to put the promising treatment to the test," said Thomas Pisansky, MD, lead author of the study and professor of radiation oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. "Overall, both groups had very, very good outcomes, but patients assigned to Group 2 had more side effects from androgen suppression than Group 1, who received only eight weeks of NEO TAS. Now, investigators know the upper boundary of how much androgen suppression is needed in this group of patients. The results have substantial importance because they can alter the research strategy to one in which investigation can now concentrate on ways to simplify the treatment and further reduce side effects."

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Cancer News

Safe Paths to Motherhood for HR-Positive Breast Cancer Survivors
Study shows how the risk of cancer recurrence doesn't increase among HR-positive breast cancer patients.
How CAR-T Cell Therapy is Effective For Lymphoma in Remission?
CAR-T immunotherapy is a viable treatment option for individuals whose lymphoma enters remission before beginning cell therapy.
Disease-Free Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients
Study reveals five years of disease-freedom among postmenopausal patients aged 50-69, diagnosed with breast cancer.
A Sweat for Health: Exercise Benefits Breast Cancer Patients
Engaging in regular exercise could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals facing metastatic breast cancer.
Diabetes Drug Tied to Lowered Colorectal Cancer Risk
Drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, prescribed for type 2 diabetes, could lower the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

In Intermediate Risk PCa Fewer Weeks of Hormone Therapy Before Radiation Reduces Side Effects: Research Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests