Leading Irish cancer specialists have welcomed the results of trials which indicate an improved outlook for some men with advanced prostate cancer.
Pharmaceutical company Aventis yesterday announced the results of two trials involving 1,800 patients in which Irish patients were included.
The results were presented at a gathering of global cancer experts in New Orleans, the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO),
Commenting on the data, Dr John McCaffrey, consultant medical oncologist at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, said: "For the first time a chemotherapy drug - Taxotere - has been shown to extend life in men with advanced prostate cancer when hormone treatment fails to work.
"Freedom from pain and other distressing symptoms was more likely to occur if Taxotere was given to these men.
"Before now chemotherapy improved quality of life, but not length of life. Taxotere has delivered on both levels, which are obviously crucial to patients - longer life and better quality to that life."
Dr Oscar Breathnach, consultant medical oncologist, Cork & Mercy University Hospitals, also welcomed the results.
"Taxotere-based therapy opens new hope for men with advanced prostate cancer.
"Data reported at the plenary session of ASCO shows for the first time that chemotherapy gives patients the potential for better quality of life, pain control and longer survival.
"These hallmark studies represent a major change on the therapeutic approach of men with advanced prostate cancer, and open the door to potential further improvement in the earlier stages of this disease."