Video
Dr. Loppenberg on Benefits of Local Treatment for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Author(s):
Björn Löppenberg, MD, oncologist, the Henry Ford Hospital, Vattikuti Urology Institute, discusses the impact of local treatment on overall mortality in patients diagnosed with primary metastatic prostate cancer.
A retrospective study that looked at 1,400 metastatic prostate cancer patients who received local treatment, found a benefit in survival at 3 years compared to those who did not receive local treatment. The overall survival benefit was 15%. However, the benefit was only seen in patients that had less aggressive prostate cancer and good overall health status, says Löppenberg.
There are several potential benefits of local treatment, even in the metastatic setting, says Löppenberg. Local treatment may reduce the metastatic spread and could prevent local problems such as bladder emptying challenges and urinary retention.
