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As earlier detection of prostate cancer increases because of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, appropriate use for watchful waiting warrants re-evaluation. We have drawn together the significant watchful waiting literature and used it to evaluate the use of watchful waiting in the PSA era. We conducted literature searches for studies examining outcomes of watchful waiting and examined new literature emerging about the use of PSA for the follow-up of watchful waiting patients. Watchful waiting has the potential to play an increasingly important role in prostate cancer as less advanced disease is detected and methods are refined for identifying low-risk patients.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2006) 9, 25–29. doi:10.1038/sj.pcan.4500857; published online 10 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND:: Our aim was to review UK practice in the management of radical retropubic prostatectomy and identify opportunities to reduce LOS to American levels. METHODS:: A survey was conducted of BAUS members regarding LOS and postoperative management. RESULTS:: Out of 551 surveys 126 were returned. Mean LOS in the UK is 5.2 days. Opiate analgesia, PCA and postoperative epidural may delay discharge. Diet and mobilization are commenced at 1.7 and 2.1 days, respectively. CONCLUSION:: Care pathways can safely reduce LOS to 2 days. Protocols to reduce LOS in the UK should be assessed and their impact on cost and quality-of-life evaluated.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2004) 7, 50-53. doi:10.1038/sj.pcan.4500698 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast and prostate cancers are the two predominant hormone-responsive tumours. The use of the antioestrogen tamoxifen in the treatment of breast cancer has evolved over the past 30 y from treatment for advanced breast cancer to prevention. Tamoxifen is currently the endocrine treatment of choice for advanced breast cancer and for adjuvant therapy in a broad spectrum of women whose primary tumours have functional oestrogen receptors. It has also been shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in high-risk women. Non-steroidal antiandrogen therapy is used in the treatment of prostate cancer, but its role is still being defined. The clinical development of tamoxifen and that of the antiandrogens are reviewed and parallels are uncovered which provide insight into contemporary and future management of hormone-responsive prostate cancer.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2001) 4, 72–80 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop and test a prostate cancer educational program, as well as an electronic keypad survey procedure, among African-Americans. A 1 h seminar and 12-item knowledge questionnaire were reviewed by both professional and lay consultants and then tested among African-American men and women recruited from the city of Chicago. Eight free presentations were delivered to a total of 63 attendees. Mean percent correct rose from 20% pre-program to 57% post-program (P<0.001) and there was an increase on all individual questions. This feasibility study demonstrated: (a) there is a general lack of information about prostate cancer among African-Americans; (b) know-ledge can be significantly increased by means of an hour-long seminar; and (c) electronic keypads provide an easy, acceptable means of collecting data. Finally, the study underscored the need for the development of active and creative recruitment strategies to increase attendance. Such efforts are currently underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of blindness, secondary to hormone-refractory prostate cancer, occurring 7 years after the diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer and 3.5 years after the clinical onset of the hormone-refractory state. Prolonged suppression of the disease with chemotherapy may have contributed to the unusual clinical findings. We discuss the role of supportive care in the management of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination hormonal therapy, comprising a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) with an antiandrogen, is widely used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. There is ongoing debate regarding the use of combination hormonal therapy as opposed to LHRHa monotherapy. The pivotal consideration is whether there are adequate benefits with combination hormonal therapy in terms of increased survival and decreased disease progression to outweigh the increased risk of adverse events and additional cost. The most recent meta-analysis by the Prostate Cancer Trialists'Collaborative Group indicates a small but statistically significant survival benefit with combination hormonal therapy using nonsteroidal antiandrogens. It is, however, noteworthy that combined conclusions derived from such meta-analyses may not apply across each of the individual antiandrogens. Individual studies have reported differences between antiandrogens in terms of both tolerability and efficacy-for example, bicalutamide has been shown to be better tolerated than flutamide, and may be associated with improved survival. In addition, it is essential that treatment decisions are taken in consultation with the patient. Owing to an increasing proportion of cases presenting with early-stage disease, combination hormonal therapy is increasingly used in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting with radiotherapy and, in cases of prostate-specific antigen recurrence after prior localised therapy. Further data are awaited to optimise the use of combination hormonal therapy in these new settings.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2004) 7, S2-S7. doi:10.1038/sj.pcan.4500741 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]