A number of articles in the NYT and WSJ have addressed the treatment of prostate cancer using immunotherapy. Provenge (Dendreon Corp) has recently received the most publicity particularly in reference to Medicare's decision to cover this costly drug.
How does immunotherapy work?
Certain immune cells are collected from a patient's blood in a procedure known as leukapheresis. The immune cells are processed to combine with a protein found in most prostate cancers and another compound that stimulates the immune system to make Provenge. When given intravenously, the drug is believed to activate other immune cells to see the cancer as a threat and attack it.
Several companies are exploring this modality for the treatment of other solid tumors. More to come.
Male sexual dysfunction
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Its a good blog over treatment of BPH by Avodart. Avodart
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