New Therapies Offer Hope for Prostate Cancer Patients in Italy
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in Italy, making up 20% of all cancer cases diagnosed in men aged 50 and over. The good news is that survival rates are high, with improvements even for the most serious cases, such as hormone-sensitive metastatic cancer. To raise awareness about new therapeutic options for prostate cancer, the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (Aiom) and the Aiom Foundation are launching a new information campaign targeting oncologists, patients, caregivers, institutions, and the general population.
In 2023, prostate cancer affected 41,100 men in Italy, with a 14% increase in new cases annually over the past three years. Despite the rising number of cases, more than 60% of patients have successfully defeated the cancer, including those with the most serious forms of the disease.
According to Saverio Cinieri, President of the Aiom Foundation, the introduction of targeted therapies has revolutionized prostate cancer treatment. Previously, therapeutic options were limited, but now new drugs and multiple lines of treatment are available. One such treatment that has shown promise is the use of a new generation oral androgen receptor inhibitor, Darolutamide, which has been proven to reduce the risk of death by 32% when used in combination with hormonal therapy and chemotherapy.
Orazio Caffo, Director of the Medical Oncology Operational Unit of Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, stated that there are over 564 thousand men living with a prostate cancer diagnosis in Italy, more than double the number from a decade ago. This increase is partially due to the greater likelihood of detecting the disease through tests such as Psa dosage and digital rectal examination, as well as the aging population and the growing presence of risk factors such as obesity, diet, smoking, and hormonal and genetic factors.
It is important to note that prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, with symptoms only appearing as the disease progresses. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy or chemotherapy for metastatic cases.
Additionally, the active surveillance approach, which involves carefully monitoring low-risk patients with limited disease, is gaining popularity in Italy. This approach, when applied to selected cases, can help avoid unnecessary treatments and provide benefits for patients. The involvement of multidisciplinary teams in patient care is crucial for the success of this approach.
With the approval of Darolutamide by the European Commission, Italian doctors and patients are hopeful that this new therapeutic option will soon be available to them. These advancements in prostate cancer treatment offer hope for patients and emphasize the importance of early detection and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.