The Latest Preventative Treatment Option for Prostate Cancer

In a recent study researchers say they have found that the drug toremifene, also known as Fareston, used to treat breast cancer decreased patients' cancer incidence after 12 months of treatment. All dose levels were found to have some impact, but the 20-milligram dose had the greatest effect.

514 patients in the study had high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, characterized by abnormal cells in the lining of the prostate ducts. Patients either received a placebo or a daily dose of toremifene in a 20-milligram, 40-milligram, or 60-milligram amount. Results from 12-month biopsies show a 48-percent reduction in prostate cancer incidence for patients taking the 20-milligram dose of toremifene compared to those on placebo.

Researchers in the current study say: "With no effective treatment options available, doctors and patients often feel defenseless against the onset of prostate cancer. Fortunately, these results offer a promising new preventative approach to prostate treatment. A chemopreventive agent like toremifene is a first step toward the possibility of stopping prostate cancer before it starts and gives patients and doctors a chance to fight this pervasive disease."