A drug, already available in Australia, is helping patients with advanced prostate cancer live longer.
An Australian-led study found combining hormone therapy with a drug called enzalutamide can improve the survival of some men with advanced, hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer.
Enzalutamide works by "blocking" the effect of testosterone on prostate cancer cells. It's already available in Australia but only to patients who are no longer responding to hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
A drug, already available in Australia, is helping patients with advanced prostate cancer live longer.
An Australian-led study found combining hormone therapy with a drug called enzalutamide can improve the survival of some men with advanced, hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer.
Enzalutamide works by "blocking" the effect of testosterone on prostate cancer cells. It's already available in Australia but only to patients who are no longer responding to hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
Dr Francis Parnis, an oncologist and co-author of the ANZUP trial study, said the research provides a strong case to give the drug "earlier in the disease process".
Dr Francis Parnis, an oncologist and co-author of the ANZUP trial study, said the research provides a strong case to give the drug "earlier in the disease process".
Owen Reid, 68, was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 years ago. He underwent surgery and was put on hormone therapy.
But after receiving the news his cancer had "spread" to the lymph nodes, the retired police officer was delivered some hope in the form of the drug trial.
He's been taking enzalutamide for the past three years. His prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, levels are now undetectable.
"Fortunately, I was put on the trial early enough and I think I'm reaping the benefits of that now," he told 9 News.
"At this stage, I'll live forever."