Advance offers hope in prostate cancer

DARWIN - New Zealand and Australian researchers have identified a treatment which cuts the chances of prostate cancer returning by 60 per cent.

The 10-year Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group trial on 800 men with inoperable prostate cancer found that a period of hormone therapy before radiotherapy could help to stop the cancer returning.

The treatment also cut the chances of cancer spreading to other parts of the body by a third.

The chairman of the trial management committee, Jim Denham, said it was great news for men with prostate cancer.

"We have found that a relatively short course of hormone treatment and radiotherapy together will not only cut the chances of the cancer returning, but stop the cancer from spreading," Professor Denham said.

"That's really good because it's the spread that kills the men. What we achieve is the men will live longer and better."

The results of the trial, which is part of an international effort, were presented to cancer specialists at the oncology group's annual meeting this week.

"In these trials we are not only trying to define the best treatment in terms of getting rid of the cancer, but actually cause the minimum of side-effects," Professor Denham said.

"This will guide the treatment, not only of men in Australia and New Zealand, but over in Europe and the US because now we know for sure this treatment really helps. Whereas the previous trials left uncertainties."

He said prostate cancer affected just as many men as breast cancer affected women.

In Australia, 10,500 men get the cancer each year, and 2500 die from it.

"We heard the other day that Kylie Minogue is just one of 30 women each day who learn they've got breast cancer," the professor said.

"It's exactly the same with prostate cancer - 30 men every day learn they have got prostate cancer.

"About four out of 10 of them find themselves in this boat."

Another major trial is under way, with men suffering the disease urged to ask their doctor about their eligibility to take part.

Meanwhile, researchers hope to launch two six-year trials into breast cancer therapies, which could lead to a shorter treatment period.

- AAP