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Background:Men with biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer are typically observed or treated with androgen-deprivation therapy. Non-hormonal, non-toxic treatments to slow the rise of PSA are desirable. We studied a combination herbal supplement, Prostate Health Cocktail (PHC), in prostate cancer cell lines and in a population of men with BCR.Methods:PC3, LAPC3 and LNCaP cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of PHC suspension. Men previously treated for prostate cancer with surgery, radiation or both with rising PSA but no radiographic metastases were treated with three capsules of PHC daily; the primary end point was 50% PSA decline. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were identified using parylene membrane filters.Results:PHC showed a strong dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect in androgen-sensitive and independent cell lines in vitro and suppression of androgen receptor expression. Forty eligible patients were enrolled in the clinical trial. Median baseline PSA was 2.8 ng ml−1 (1.1-84.1) and 15 men (38%) had a PSA decline on study (1-55% reduction); 25 (62%) had rising PSA on study. The median duration of PSA stability was 6.4 months. Two patients had grade 2/3 transaminitis; the only other grade 2 toxicities were hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia and flatulence. There were no significant changes in testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. CTCs were identified in 19 men (47%).Conclusions:Although the primary end point was not met, PHC was well tolerated and was associated with PSA declines and stabilization in a significant number of patients. We believe this is the first report of detecting CTCs in men with BCR prostate cancer. Randomized studies are needed to better define the effect of PHC in men with BCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive clinical development in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has led to the introduction of three new agents in little more than a year, with more on the horizon. With the exception of autologous cellular immunotherapy, all of the agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of mCRPC are approved for use in combination with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids play a crucial role in the management of men with mCRPC, but the availability of multiple lines of therapy that include corticosteroids raises potential toxicity considerations. In addition, the immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids may alter the efficacy of immunotherapies. The recent increase in treatment options with different mechanisms of action raises the importance of understanding how corticosteroids are used and the implications of such use on treatment selection and sequencing. A number of corticosteroids with varied potencies are used in general medical practice at varying doses. The differences in potency, dose, and disease settings in which corticosteroids are used complicate the ability to fully understand the impact that any one corticosteroid can have, such as prednisone in prostate cancer. This article reviews the published literature on corticosteroid use in advanced cancer, focusing on their role in mCRPC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Penile cancer (PC) is a rare cancer in western countries, but is more common in parts of the developing world. Due to its rarity and the consequent lack of randomized trials, current therapy is based on retrospective studies and small prospective trials. Design Studies of PC therapy were searched in PubMed and abstracts at major conferences. Results PC is generally an aggressive malignancy characterized by early locoregional lymph node (LN) spread and later metastases in distant sites. Given the strong predictive value of LN involvement for overall survival, evaluating regional LNs is critical. Advanced LN involvement is increasingly being treated with multimodality therapy incorporating chemotherapy and/or radiation. A single superior cisplatin-based regimen has not been defined. Further advances may occur with a better collaboration on an international scale and comprehensive understanding of tumor biology. To this end, the preventive role of circumcision and understanding of the oncogenic roles of Human Papilloma Virus-16, and smoking may yield advances. Preliminary data suggest a role for agents targeting epidermal growth factor receptor and angiogenesis. Conclusion Advances in therapy for PC will require efficient trial designs, synergistic collaboration, incentives to industry and the efforts of patient advocacy groups and venture philanthropists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]