New chemotherapy prolongs life for patients with prostate cancer

patients with prostate cancer, the State had failed to supply helped recently received an additional option. Thursday ', the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Jevtana and prednisone for the treatment of these patients.

In a study earlier this year, researchers have treated patients with prostate cancer Jevtana Aventis chemotherapy drug manufactured by Sanofi, and analyzed the results. Patients who received treatment that includedDrug lived about ten weeks than those who received only standard therapy. These patients were more likely to shrink tumors Jevtana. Unfortunately, none of the study participants experienced a complete remission of the disease.

The combination of Jevtana and prednisone is the first chemotherapy, the survival of people who will not be renewed with the help of regular medical care. Often used in the treatment of cancer,Prednisone is a synthetic steroid that prevents inflammation. However, both drugs and negative side effects of steroids. Jevtana serious side effects include a reduction in white blood cells, decreased levels of blood platelets, and kidney failure. With prednisone can cause weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, and steroid-induced causes. Consequently, patients with their doctor before consulting this treatment.

The impact of FDA approval ofJevtana are significant. "Patients have few treatment options must be transmitted in this disease setting" Richard Pazdur, director of FDA's oncology drug products. When a standard treatment of hormone deficiency and docetaxel, the drug most commonly used to fight prostate cancer, are not effective is more Jevtana patients with prostate cancer alternative.