New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
New Drug Could Be Used to Treat Prostate Cancer in 2010
Prostate cancer is the most commonly occurring non-skin cancer in the United States today. That is significant considering this type of cancer only affects males. However, prostate cancer has an extremely high survival rate because of new breakthroughs in not only treatment, but also due to early detection. The Associated Press has reported that the pharmaceutical company Dendreon has submitted a Food and Drug Administration application seeking approval of the drug Provenge, which apparently has shown promise with regard to the treatment of prostate cancer. Dendreon has said that it hopes to launch this new drug in 2010 once the FDA has approved it.
Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate and other cancers, unfortunately there are still a number of physicians who do not always screen patients for prostate cancer with PSA test or a DRE (digital rectal examination) ,or, who fail to appreciate the significance of symptoms or warning signs associated with this cancer. There is no denying that early diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key to increasing ones chances of surviving any type of cancer. In many cases where cancer is misdiagnosed or not timely diagnosed, there can be a delay in treatment, and, a poorer prognosis for cure as result.
If you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed, or, had a delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer, the NJ failure to diagnose prostate cancer attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can help. You may have the basis to bring a possible New Jersey medical malpractice claim if your doctor failed to timely screen you for prostate cancer, or, did not use proper and timely screening methods and treatment. Call us today at 973-635-5400 to set up a no-cost consultation.
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010186483_webdendreon.html
Mayo Clinic Research Confirms PSA Best Way to Help Diagnose Prostate Cancer
Recent Mayo Clinic research has determined that routine annual evaluation of prostate growth is not solely the best predictor for the development of prostate cancer. According to a recent news report, the recent study suggests that if a man’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) level is rising quickly, a prostate biopsy is a more reasonable way to rule out prostate cancer. PSA is a substance that is produced in the prostate gland. Under normal circumstances a small amount of this substance enters a man’s bloodstream.
Men from the study group who did develop prostate cancer apparently showed a sharper and faster rise in PSA levels compared to other men who were not diagnosed with prostate cancer. Based on this study, a higher amount of PSA, or, a sudden increase in PSA levels can be indicative of a problem, possibly prostate cancer.
One factor which can lead to a delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer is a failure to utilize the tools available in the screening process. The presence of prostate cancer can usually be tested for by digital rectal exam (DRE) and a blood test. A DRE may be abnormal because of an enlarged, hardened or irregular shaped prostate. A blood test can generally be more helpful because it can show abnormalities in PSA levels in the bloodstream. The two tests used in tandem are the most effective way a doctor makes a diagnosis of prostate cancer early and accurately. If there are abnormalities in either or both of these tests, biopsies of the prostate can be performed to evaluate the tissue for a definitive diagnosis of cancer.
If you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed, or, diagnosed with prostate cancer at a late stage, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. If your doctor did not use adequate prostate cancer screening methods, which resulted in misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of the cancer, the matter should be further investigated. At Blume Goldfaden, our New Jersey failure to diagnose prostate cancer attorneys have the experience and the resources to evaluate your potential claim and investigate your case. Call 973-635-5400 to schedule your no-cost consultation.
Source:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112442.htm