We believe we have made a major step forward in the treatment of end-stage prostate cancer patients 
Dr Johann de Bono
Institute of Cancer Research
Institute of Cancer Research
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The BBC announced this morning that there has been a breakthrough in developing Prostate Cancer drugs and this must have made the day of the estimated 35,000 men in the UK who are diagnosed with, and the 10,000 who die from, the most aggressive – and almost always lethal – form of prostate cancer every year. I am really happy and yet really sad at the same time. Why? Because my own much loved father died of Prostate Cancer only a couple of years ago – so he isn’t around to benefit from this wonderful breakthrough of knowledge. This doesn’t stop me whooping with joy for the other men who may have this disease though. YAY!
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“Scientists are hailing a new drug to treat aggressive prostate cancer as potentially the most significant advance in the field for 70 years.
Abiraterone could potentially treat up to 80% of patients with a deadly form of the disease resistant to currently available chemotherapy, they say. The drug works by blocking the hormones which fuel the cancer. The Institute of Cancer Research hopes a simple pill form will be available in two to three years. ” (Source BBC)
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If you’d like to read the BBC article in full follow this LINK!
Oher useful links below:
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National Cancer Institute (prostate homepage)
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Cancer Research UK (Prostate page)
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Posted in loving memory of my father.
Below: My much loved father with my two sons (his grandsons) in happier times
I miss you Dad …
Alfie: Born (approximately) 1st September 2008 (from Cat's Protection rescue centre)
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I heard this news this morning also Jan. And while I thought it was such good news too my heart sank for all those people for whom it has come too late. When ever there is a break through in any new treatments I always think the same. I have had so many people in my family who lost their battles with cancer also. Sometimes I wonder how things would have been if they would have had these wonder drugs today. But we still should be very happy for all those other people who will have the chance to maybe have a better quality of life now.
By: romach on July 22, 2008
at 9:03 am
Yes, this type of news is always bitter-sweet.
I am always delighted to hear such news and yet always sad for those it is too late for. My mother’s brother (my uncle) is currently in the final stages of prostrate cancer; I think the new drug will be too late for him, sadly.
By: Author on July 22, 2008
at 9:14 am
That is great news! Our pastor at our church has been fighting prostrate cancer for years…I haven’t had any family members pass with prostrate cancer, but I have lost my dad, my uncle, and 3 aunts to different kinds.
By: spatulahandle on July 22, 2008
at 4:39 pm
What a wonderful news! Kudos to all scientists involved in the development of this breakthrough drug.
By: leafless on July 22, 2008
at 5:45 pm
Only the happiest times for you, here on in, girl… I won’t have it any other way!
By: The Highwayman on July 23, 2008
at 1:18 am
Thanks H,
Where have you been – I’ve mised you!
By: Author on July 23, 2008
at 6:20 am
This is excellent news, especially since a work associate of mine was diagnosed just a few weeks ago, following a test carried out for a work medical.
He’s older than me (clearly) but it goes to prove the value of screening.
By: Roads on July 23, 2008
at 10:14 am
Roads,
It sure does. if it is spottd early enough it can be cured. Even later diagnosis can still have a reasonable survival rate. My own father survived 10 years after the initial diagnosis that his was inoperable. If he had agreed to chemotherapy it may have been even longer.
I hope your work colleague does well with his treatment. He is a lucky man having that medical.
By: Author on July 23, 2008
at 10:29 am
I have copied this post and emailed it to my husband’s brother. He was 47 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer. I remember the day of his surgery as my husband was expressing his gratefulness for his health. That was January, by July of the same year, my husband was diagnosed with stage4/terminal appendiceal cancer….
Just imagine the odds of having both parents with dementia and both biological children diagnosed with cancer in the same year…it defies the statistics, I think…
I don’t know if he will be able to benefit from this new drug. Here in the US, FDA seems to be extremely slow in approving new drugs or breakthroughs…I will stop right here on that subject….
Thanks for sharing any new news when it comes to fighting cancer…like your dad, my husband lost his battle, but there are still those who can win and it is important for everyone to have information…
Thanks for your kind words on my blog, Jan…I know that it may be painful to stop by, but when you do, I know that it is an effort of true support…Thanks
By: shadowlands1501 on July 23, 2008
at 4:00 pm
Hi Shadowlands,
I’m so glad this information may be useful for your brother-in-law. It may at least give him hope for the future. It may not be able to save my father but at least others can benefit from it – and for that I am happy.
Those family odds are shocking – as you say, who could have believed it.
I am so sorry for what’s happened to you – you have been through so much – and now there is grieving to handle. My heart goes out to you. Keep the Faith – we never get over losing important people from our lives but we do learn to live with the loss.
To live in the hearts of those you love, is not to die.
By: Author on July 23, 2008
at 4:20 pm
Wow what great news to share! Thanks for sharing! Peace, Light and Love, CordieB.
By: cordieb on July 24, 2008
at 5:50 am