Improving the Cure Rate and the Burden of Cure in Prostate Cancer

Lawrence H. Einhorn, MD, distinguished professor of medicine, division of hematology/oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Giant of Cancer Care: Genitourinary Cancer, discusses new methods being explored to help improve the cure rate in prostate cancer.

Clinical Pearls:

• In the past, researchers have been able to successfully demonstrate that drug resistance can be overcome by giving five times the dosage of cytolytic agents.
• Trials are also being developed to look at novel agents and novel combinations in an attempt to improve the cure rate of prostate cancer.
• While a high percentage of patients are cured who are in their early 20s and 30s, late complications are being observed 5-30 years later. These include cardiovascular disease, second malignancies, and peripheral neuropathy.
• Researchers are looking into genetic susceptibilities that make people more at risk for getting late and durable toxicities and to see if anything can be done about it.