Prostate cancer: New studies of combination therapy
Doctors have finally begun to understand prostate cancer. Geneticists have identified abnormal genes that increase a man’s vulnerability to the disease. Epidemiologists have discovered that a diet high in saturated fat is linked to an increased risk, while tomatoes, whole grains, fish, soy, and the mineral selenium appear to be protective. Urologists are learning how to use the PSA test to detect the disease. Radiologists are developing new ways to obtain images of the elusive gland, and oncologists have honed their understanding of what makes prostate cancers grow and what slows the multiplication of malignant cells.
It’s important progress that has resulted from teamwork. Every man stands to benefit from these new insights, but men with prostate cancer have an additional urgent need. Fortunately, there have been important gains here, too. In fact, each of the standard therapeutic options has registered major improvements:
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