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New treatment option for prostate cancer

The first new treatment option for advanced prostate cancer in twenty years has been officially launched in Ireland today (December 1).

Firmagon (degarelix) is indicated for the treatment of adult males with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer. Marketed by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, the drug decreases the production of testosterone in the body which prostate cancer is dependent on for its growth.

Approximately 2,407 Irish men are diagnosed with the disease every year and the National Cancer Registry estimates that there will be a 275 per cent increase in the incidence of prostate cancer by 2020, resulting in approximately 3,768 new cases of the disease per year.

In clinical trials, Firmagon has been proven to reduce testosterone significantly faster than existing treatments for prostate cancer. Slowing the growth of a tumour by reducing testosterone levels in the body will enable the tumour to be treated with radiotherapy or surgery. Faster treatment options are key to ensuring the best possible outcome for patients.

Prof John Fitzpatrick, consultant urologist at the Mater Hospital in Dublin, commented: “The most important issue to address when treating advanced prostate cancer is to reduce the levels of testosterone in the body. There are treatments available that achieve this but not at the same speed as Firmagon. This is a significant advancement that will be welcomed by the medical community.”

Dr Barry Jones, consultant urologist, Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny, added that the new treatment option was ‘very encouraging news’ for the treatment of prostate cancer. “In Ireland, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and 1 in 12 will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.”

Commenting on today’s launch, Ferring said it represented another important milestone in the company’s long-standing commitment to develop new and improved treatment options in the field of urology.

Posted in on 01 December 2009
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