Immunotherapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer

What is this vaccine therapy? After hormones fail, patients with advanced prostate cancer face dismal options for fighting their disease. Chemotherapy can prolong median survival for a few months. Cell Genesys
has manufactured "off the shelf" medication to use for advanced prostate cancer. Currently in Phase III trials, the drug will be compared to chemotherapy using Taxotere and steroids. Patients must have detectable evidence of prostate cancer spread. A rising PSA alone on hormones is not enough.

This drug is unique because it is made from two genetically modified cell cancer lines. One is from metastatic prostate cancer and the other is from a localized prostate cancer cell line. The patient does not have to innoculate his own blood to develop a vaccine therapy, although other companies are pursuing this type of treatment.

We are involved with the clinical trials with this drug. It is too early to verify its superiority to chemo and steroids, but I can say that I am amazed at how little side-effects the patients have. For more, look here or click Urology San Antonio
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