Circulating Tumor Cells in Prostate Cancer: Beyond Enumeration

Abstract: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a population of rare cancer cells that have detached from the primary tumor and/or metastatic lesions and entered the […]

Prognostic Biomarkers in Early-Stage Prostate Cancer

H&O What is the traditional way for oncologists to determine prognosis in early-stage prostate cancer? EK The tools traditionally used to determine prognosis are the […]

Hem/Onc News

Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology October 2016, Volume 14, Issue 10 Umbilical Cord Blood Beats HLA-Mismatched Unrelated Donor Cells in Stem Cell Transplant For patients […]

Current Understanding of Resistance to Abiraterone and Enzalutamide in Advanced Prostate Cancer

H&O How common is resistance to abiraterone and enzalutamide in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)? ESA Approximately 15% to 25% of patients with CRPC do not respond to […]

Current Controversies in the Management of Biochemical Failure in Prostate Cancer

Abstract: Approximately 35% of prostate cancer patients will experience a biochemical recurrence within 10 years of receiving treatment. Among patients who develop biochemical recurrence, approximately one-third will develop radiographic evidence of metastatic disease within 8 years from the time of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) elevation. Development of biochemical recurrence with a rising PSA level causes significant anxiety for both the patient and his treating oncologist. There is no consensus regarding the PSA level that indicates disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard of care for these patients. The key components that influence the consideration of ADT are the rate of change of the PSA level (PSA doubling time), the patient’s anxiety regarding his PSA level, and the side effects associated with ADT. One of the most prominent controversies in the treatment of biochemical recurrence is the timing of ADT (early vs late) for treatment of PSA recurrence. An emerging treatment option is continued active surveillance, especially in patients who are asymptomatic. Other management approaches under investigation include intermittent ADT, the combination of ADT and novel agents, and peripheral androgen blockade.