Archive for November, 2010
Kidney sparing surgery for cancer is underused
Thursday, November 18th, 2010There is recent evidence that suggests that partial nephrectomy for renal (kidney) cancer may be associated with improved survival compared with removal of the entire kidney. This study shows that because of the difficulty in learning partial nephrectomy (removal of the cancer and leaving the rest of the kidney intact) as a keyhole procedure, patients… read more
Effect of Dutasteride on the risk of Prostate Cancer
Thursday, November 18th, 2010The REDUCE study looked at the effect of dutasteride on the risk of developing prostate cancer. This was a 4 year randomised double blind placebo controlled trial. The study showed that men (age range 50-75) who were at increased risk of prostate cancer (PSA between 2.5 and 10 with a previous negative biopsy) had a… read more
PCA3 test may predict prostate cancer occurring in the future
Monday, November 15th, 2010A recent study has added more weight to the usefulness of the urine test PCA3 in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. It has also shown that the test may be predictive of a positive biopsy in the future.
These new results arise from the large REDUCE trial looking at the effect of the drug dutasteride on… read more
Anticholinergics in Men with Overactive Bladder Symptoms Despite Treatment with Alpha Blockers
Saturday, November 6th, 2010Several studies have already demonstrated that antichloinergic medications are safe to use in men with bladder outflow obstruction. Abrams et al performed urodynamics in men with bladder outflow obstruction before and after commencing anticholinergics (1). There was no increased risk of urinary retention and no clinically significant change invoiding pressures or residual volumes. A systematic review and meta-analysis by… read more
Requesting a PSA test
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010Screening for Prostate cancer with a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test is controversial in the UK. Recent NICE guidelines recommend that patients with lower urinary tract symptoms should be offered a PSA test only if they have been provided with the appropriate information, advice and time to make an informed decision (1).
(1) NICE Lower Urinary… read more