Australian and New Zealand researchers have identified a treatment which cuts the chances of prostate cancer returning by 60 per cent.

The 10 year Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) trial on 800 men with inoperable prostate cancer found a period of hormone therapy before radiotherapy could help stop the cancer returning.

The treatment also cut the chances of cancer spreading to other parts of the body by a third.

Chairman of the 96-01 trial management committee Jim Denham said it was great news for men with prostate cancer.

“What we have found in this trial is (that) a relatively short course of hormone treatment and radiotherapy together will not only cut the chances of the cancer returning to the prostate, but stop the cancer from spreading,” Professor Denham said.

“That’s really good because it’s the spread that kills the men.”
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Prof Denham said prostate cancer affected just as many men as breast cancer affected women.

In Australia, 10,500 men get the cancer each year, and 2,500 die from it.

“We heard the other day that Kylie (Minogue) is just one of 30 women each day who learn they’ve got breast cancer,” Prof Denham said.

“It’s exactly the same with prostate cancer, 30 men every day learn that they have got prostate cancer.

“About four out of 10 of them find themselves in this boat.”