RADAR-a new trial for prostate cancer sufferers

Australia’s top radiation oncologists, attending the TROG conference in Darwin, today heard about a new study which is currently underway across Australia, designed to further improve treatment of inoperable prostate cancer.

Professor Jim Denham presented the design of a study designed to recruit 1000 men across Australia to compare prostate cancer treatment in which the current gold standard of treatment of radiotherapy plus 6 months hormonal blockade is further enhanced by addition of further hormonal treatment or a bone strengthening drug.Already, 400 patients are enrolled but Professor Denham wishes to see a total of 1000 patients on this study.One quarter will receive radiotherapy plus 6 months hormonal blockade with a drug called Lucrin. The second quarter will receive radiotherapy plus 18 months of Lucrin. The third quarter will receive radiotherapy, six months of Lucrin and 18 months of zoledronic acid. The final quarter will receive radiotherapy, 18 months of Lucrin and 18 months of zoledronic acid.Lucrin is a drug which produces total androgen deprivation, switching off the production of testosterone which is the hormone that fuels prostate cancer. Zoledronic acid makes bones harder the person making it difficult for stray prostate cancer cells to penetrate the bone. There is also some suggestion that drugs such as zoledronic acid affect the way that tumour cells can adhere to other tissue.This study is being coordinated by TROG, the Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group. In operable prostate cancer accounts for 4000 new diagnoses per year in Australia and 1500 new diagnoses per year in New Zealand. Reference: Allison Steigler and Prof. Jim Denham, RADAR-a new trial for prostate cancer sufferers in; Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group Inc (TROG) 2005, 19 May, Darwin Australia.