Scientists at Queens University at Belfast have made a remarkable discovery in the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland as well as around the world.Treatments for prostate cancer are dependent upon several factors: age, health and whether or not the cancer is localized or have spread to other parts of the body.Localized tumors are typically treated with radiation therapy or in extreme cases, a radical prostatectomy.Radiation therapy involves the use of radiation similar to an x-ray that bombards the area and kills the cancer cells.

Tumors that have grown beyond the boundaries of the prostate into the surrounding area cannot be treated with traditional radiation therapy but can be treated with hormones to slow the growth or a radical prostatectomy. A radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate gland and nearby lymph nodes. This is a pretty intense surgery and the lingering effects can be as traumatic. There are other types of surgery if the prognosis of the disease allow for it. One other possible surgery type, which is less invasive, is laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery allows smaller incisions, less trauma to the body and shorter healing times.

A team of scientists in Belfast may have made a discovery that will revolutionize prostate cancer treatment. A new combination treatment is in the first trial phase and it treats aggressive prostate cancers.This is a type of cancer that has spread beyond the borders of the prostate, is in the surrounding tissues, and cannot be treated with traditional surgeries with as much success. The new technique combines two types of chemotherapy and the first trial results are encouraging.

This new therapy has the potential for increasing the survival outcomes of more advanced prostate cancer.This is significant news in the fight against prostate cancer. The combination has to go through two sets of trials to find out if the combination is truly effective, safe and feasible. Traditional therapies work well, but as the cancer reaches the more advanced stages, become less effective. This new therapy offers a welcome alternative and increases the chance of better outcomes for patients in more advanced stages.

The new therapy was specifically created in an attempt to combat the aggressive nature of the cancer as it spread beyond the gland and got near the bone. In the first trial, the scientists were pleased with the outcomes,the survival rates and the prognosis of the patient. The second trial, which will involve up to 100 patients, will be the proving ground to see if the treatment will become a common treatment for sufferers of advanced prostate cancer. If the second tests prove to be successful, then patients with advanced prostate cancer have a brighter future.