The founder and lead surgeon of Southlake Oncology discusses findings of a new study into the benefits of early therapy.

Southlake, TX – While many men who receive prostate cancer diagnoses are told a wait-and-see approach suits their cases, those with advanced or more aggressive forms of the disease are not so fortunate. When node-positive prostate cancer has been diagnosed, survival odds are often less than desired by men. Even so, researchers are finding it is possible to improve longevity expectations by introducing the use of radiation sooner rather than later.

“The recent findings turn standard protocols on their heads and may signal very good news for men diagnosed with node-positive prostate cancers,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Southlake Oncology, a Choice Cancer Center. “Studies have discovered that the use of radiation along with hormone therapy can increase survival rates by as much as 50 percent over the course of five years.”

As it stands now, node-positive prostate cancer is generally treated first with hormone therapy while radiation is held out as a measure of last resort. Hormone therapy involves blocking the body’s production of testosterone, which is the hormone known to fuel prostate cancer cells. While hormone therapy is quite effective, the use of the two therapies combined shows tremendous promise, says Dr. Echt. The study was conducted by researchers from the American Cancer Society and Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in Boston. To draw their conclusions, researchers analyzed a large database of patients. Researchers found many men who received both therapies at once saw their metastasis halt while others were cured.

Node-positive prostate cancer is an advanced form of the disease that involves the spread of cancer beyond the prostate gland. This condition can be more problematic to treat than less-aggressive, localized forms of the disease.

“The research sheds lights on options that may make a positive difference for men facing advanced prostate cancer,” says Dr. Echt. “Even so, the findings are preliminary, which means men should carefully discuss their treatment options with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action in their unique cases.”

About The Company
Southlake Oncology, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, located in the Southlake and Grapevine area, is a community-focused oncology practice that delivers exceptional care to North Texas cancer patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and blood disorders.