Posted on 06/02/2018 3:22:56 PM PDT by libh8er
Michael English, 72, was one of 258 men who took part in the trial.
He was first diagnosed in 2005, but radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone-based therapies did not kill his cancer.
Two years ago, he was given the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab.
He said: "We were astonished when scans showed that the tumour had become undetectable.
"Today I'm effectively cancer-free."
He says he's now planning out the next 20 years of his life, not the next two.
Researcher Prof Johann de Bono told the BBC: "This is the first evidence that a subset of prostate cancer patients do spectacularly well on immunotherapy.
"We have several patients in the Marsden who have had a complete response.
"It is a new arrow in the quiver for men with lethal prostate cancer, it's a big deal for these patients."
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
forgot /s
Wow. Thank god it’s just more old men dying. Thanks for clearing that up. Itchy itchy.
That’s a pretty good point you live long enough you’re going to get old and you are going to die. Last I checked ain’t no one walking outa here. Ask not for whom the bell tolls. Just look real hard at the mirror, you’ll figure it out.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Truly a miracle drug for some. It also has significant and life threatening side effects in a fair number of patients.
“the color for prostate cancer ribbon is light blue”
I’m four years out from prostate cancer surgery. I don’t feel the need to wear a ribbon. Cancer isn’t a award for having metaplastic cells attacking your body.
Immunotherapy drugs that have worked for one type of cancer are undergoing trials for other types of cancer. It’s all part of the Moon Shots program. MD Anderson is one of the leading cancer centers that are heading up the program.
Prostate cancer encompasses many different types. What works for on person may not work at all for another.
I’ve have been treated for metastatic prostate cancer with bone mets for almost four years. There is no cure. so far, I’m one of the luckier ones who have responded very well with first line androgen deprivation therapy. I plaan on being around for the cure.
Many men are now being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their 30s and 40s.
But I sure hope you are telling you maale friends to make sure to get their PSA and DRE’s checked every year.
I have a number of people I know who have some form of cancer. I would find out and feel bad for them and at the same time feel relieved it wasn’t me. Then I found out I had prostate cancer. When I see friends they tell me how sorry they are I have it. I hope when they are away from me they don’t feel guilty about feeling relieved. I feel really great they are fine. Me I’ll beat it or die trying. They can dedicate a month to be aware of each kind. But the big C is everyday. We all have our loads to carry. Mine isn’t near as heavy as others.
[[”he said that only between 10% and 15% of patients had any response to the therapy at all.” ]]
Not a very good result at all- however, in conjunction with other therapies, it might be a good addition- 10%-15% is an ok result- certainly better than nothing and worth a try- Adjuvent cancer chemo therapies for certain cancers are only about 7% effective, but significant enough that many doctors feel it’s worth it for the patient
[[immunotherapy has many problems on its own.....you basically are opening yourself to cancer, TB, any virus, any bacteria.
going on this therapy whether its for colitis or cancer is a big decision. ]]
Absolutely it is a big decision- especially if the person is sick and vulnerable to infections and viruses in he first place- these drugs make you a lot more susceptible-
I wish you the best of success fighting your cancer, and pray you live to one hundred.
I still contend that the medical industrial complex is in the business of treatments - not cures.
Windy - stage four squamous carcinoma
I’ll be praying for you, too.
Thank you, friend.
Hopefully good news - had prostate removed 22 months ago and just ended up 8 weeks radiation therapy because PSA started creeping up - good to know there’s other tools in the kit if the radiation didn’t work.
Wow! This sounds spectacular.
It certainly brings back hope for millions of men.
No. Frankly, I don't understand the complaining about it either. Or the finger rectal check. I have to have them now yearly at my gyno exams. What is the big deal really?
As I posted earlier but thanks.
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