Great news for individuals suffering from prostate cancer and men’s health advocates everywhere, as this week the FDA-approved a new treatment for men with the advanced stage of the disease. The vaccine, called Provenge, is not a traditional preventive cancer vaccine (such as those for cervical cancer), but rather boosts the patient’s immune system to combat the already-diagnosed disease. The immunotherapy is derived from the patient’s own white blood cells, where antibodies are tailored to attack the tumor cells.
The drug is more effective and has fewer side effects than chemotherapy, the common course of action for these cancer patients. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 27,000 men died from the disease in 2009. The drug will soon be available to about 2,000 patients at 50 centers that were previously designated as Provenge clinical trial sites, with increased capacity over the next year. The vaccine is the first product approved by Dendreon Company, which hopes to use the same technique in the future for other diseases like bladder cancer.
As the second most common cancer in men with nearly 192,000 diagnoses in 2009, early detection and appropriate treatment are paramount in the fight against the disease (see our March 22, 2010 post by Ramon Llamas for a commentary on the recent developments in PSA screening). We will continue to monitor and promote advances in research and development, in order to sustain a national dialogue aimed at improving the wellbeing of men and their families.
For Provenge’s press release, click here to read the PDF.
What’s your thoughts about the new FDA-approved treatment for men?
Very interesting post thanks for writing it!
Cutting edge, life-extending treatment from Dendreon, providing hope for prostate cancer victims and their families. Let’s hope there is more to come.
This post is a great start, but there are so many questions that you have to deal with. Books like, To Pee Or Not To Pee…, can be a great asset when you need in depth information to make an informed decision.
Open to tackling a range of tasks?
I am surprised this drug is more effective and has fewer side effects than chemo. However, I am relieved there has been another break through within this field that will help cancer patients.
Whats a question with no answer called?
This is great news!! Thanks for the post.