New drug for prostate cancer launched
A NEW fast-acting hormone treatment for advanced prostate cancer has been launched in the UK during a conference taking place in Glasgow.
The new treatment Firmagon – also known by its generic name degarelix – is injected under the skin where it blocks hormone receptors in the pituitary gland.
Prostate cancer is fuelled by the male hormone testosterone.
It has an effect almost immediately, unlike existing treatments which can take up to four weeks to reduce testosterone.
The treatment was launched at the British Association of Urological Surgeons Annual Meeting in Glasgow.
Mr John Anderson, consultant urological surgeon at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, said: "This is an important new step for the treatment of advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer."
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Friday 17 February 2012
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