New drug prevents bone metastasis in prostate cancer
Posted Nov 17 2011 3:51am
A Phase III trial has found that denosumab significantly reduces the risk of symptomatic bone metastasesSecondary tumours’ that result from the spread of a malignant tumour to other parts of the body.. Almost 1500 men with prostateA gland that surrounds the urethra near the bladder. It produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. but no bone metastases were administered XGEVA®, a monoclonal antibodyOne of a group of special proteins in the blood that are produced in response to a specific antigen and play a key role in immunity and allergy. that binds to a proteinCompounds that form the structure of muscles and other tissues in the body, as well as comprising enzymes and hormones. responsible for the function of osteoclasts.
The drug was found to prevent the osteoclasts from functioning correctly thereby lessening the break done of bone. At the conclusion of the trial the men were found to have increased their metastasisThe spread of a malignant tumour to other parts of the body.-free survival from 25 months to almost 30 months in comparison to a placebo group although overall survival was not affected.
The side effects of denosumab include hypocalcaemiaAn abnormally low level of calcium in the blood. The most common cause is vitamin D deficiency. and men who undergo denosumab treatment are advised to have their calciumAn element that forms the structure of bones and teeth and is essential to many of the body's functions. levels monitored and to receive additional dental care.
A Phase III trial has found that denosumab significantly reduces the risk of symptomatic bone metastasesSecondary tumours’ that result from the spread of a malignant tumour to other parts of the body.. Almost 1500 men with prostateA gland that surrounds the urethra near the bladder. It produces a fluid that forms part of the semen. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. but no bone metastases were administered XGEVA®, a monoclonal antibodyOne of a group of special proteins in the blood that are produced in response to a specific antigen and play a key role in immunity and allergy. that binds to a proteinCompounds that form the structure of muscles and other tissues in the body, as well as comprising enzymes and hormones. responsible for the function of osteoclasts.
The drug was found to prevent the osteoclasts from functioning correctly thereby lessening the break done of bone. At the conclusion of the trial the men were found to have increased their metastasisThe spread of a malignant tumour to other parts of the body.-free survival from 25 months to almost 30 months in comparison to a placebo group although overall survival was not affected.
The side effects of denosumab include hypocalcaemiaAn abnormally low level of calcium in the blood. The most common cause is vitamin D deficiency. and men who undergo denosumab treatment are advised to have their calciumAn element that forms the structure of bones and teeth and is essential to many of the body's functions. levels monitored and to receive additional dental care.