As the most diagnosed cancer in men, an estimated 235,000 cases of prostate cancer have been diagnosed in 2006.[1] Many more patients are being diagnosed with prostate cancer due to widespread prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.[2] Though there is an improved understanding of prostate cancer biology and a high cure rate for localized disease, most men who develop metastases are still destined to die as a result of the disease. Approximately, 500,000 deaths occurred in the United States between 1989 and 2001 due to prostate cancer.[3]
A number of recent studies demonstrate that novel treatments may improve the care of patients with prostate cancer. Other new studies shed light on which patients may benefit from the most aggressive therapy. With the arrival of exciting new agents including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, bone-targeted therapies and others, the future treatment of prostate cancer appears promising. Furthermore, translational and clinical research on prostate cancer is ever advancing, and it is probable that in the near future, novel strategies will become available for both prostate cancer risk assessment and targeted management.[4] These multiple ongoing, parallel lines of research promise to improve the current standard of care in terms of screening efforts, diagnosis, risk stratification, and primary management. To properly identify and manage patients with prostate cancer, physicians must have an in-depth understanding of the treatment options and stay abreast of the rapid evolution of prostate cancer management.
The Prostate Cancers Symposium is designed to meet the educational needs of those involved in the care of patients with prostate cancer by providing a forum for the discussion and analysis of current and emerging scientific and therapeutic advances.
[1] American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2006. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2006.
[2] Herbst RS, Bjorin DF, Bleiberg H, et al. Clinical Cancer Advances 2005: Major Research Advances in Cancer Treatment, Prevention, and Screening – A Report From the American Society of Clinical Oncology. J Clin Oncol 24:1-16, 2006.
[3] Klein EA, Tangen CM, Goodman PJ, et al. Assessing Benefit and Risk in the Prevention of Prostate Cancer: The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Revisited. J Clin Oncol 23:7460-7466, 2005.
[4] Cooperberg MR, Moul JW, Carroll PR. The Changing Face of Prostate Cancer. J Clin Oncol 23:8146-8151, 2005.
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