Prostate cancer successfully treated with new technique [MUST READ!!!]
A new technique called vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) successfully destroys early prostate cancer while avoiding the side-effects associated with surgery. The technique involves injecting a light-sensitive drug into the bloodstream. After injection, the drug is switched on by laser pulses fired through optical fibres inserted into the prostate. In the trial reported in the Lancet Oncology journal, 413 participants were randomly assigned either to VTP or active surveillance. About half of the 196 men who received the treatment showed no signs of the disease two years later, compared with 13.5% of those given standard care. The trial was conducted across 47 treatment sites in 10 European countries. Commenting on the results, Mark Emberton, consultant urologist at University College London hospital and lead investigator, said: “These results are excellent news for men with early localised prostate cancer, offering a treatment that can kill cancer without removing o...