Flutamide for prostate cancer
Article Abstract:
Flutamide is an oral anti-androgen, a substance that prevents the actions of an androgen or male hormone. It is currently available in the United States for treating metastatic prostate cancer, a widespread malignancy originating in the prostate, a gland located in the male urinary system that contributes fluid to semen. In treating metastatic prostate cancer flutamide should only be used with an analogue or form of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) called leuprolide. Flutamide prevents the uptake and binding of androgens, including those from the adrenal gland, to cells of the prostate gland and prostate cancer cells. After an oral dose, flutamide reaches its highest concentrations in the blood within two hours, and it is eliminated mainly by the kidneys. Although not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this use, flutamide may also be used at the time of orchiectomy, the surgical removal of the testicle, if orchiectomy is preferred over leuprolide. Among 617 patients with prostate cancer, flutamide and leuprolide resulted in a longer period of survival and less 'disease flare' than leuprolide alone. Adverse or unfavorable effects of flutamide include gynecomastia, or enlargement of the mammary glands, nausea, vomiting, hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, and diarrhea. The dosage and cost of flutamide are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Cancer chemotherapy
Article Abstract:
The drugs currently used for the treatment of cancer in the United States and Canada, and their major adverse or unfavorable side effects are listed. These listings are not intended as therapeutic recommendations, and some drugs that are indicated for specific diseases have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The first table lists commonly used drugs as well as alternative agents for different types of cancers, and is divided into diseases in which chemotherapy has major, moderate and minor activity. The second table lists anticancer agents that are commercially available in the United States and their acute, or immediate, and delayed adverse side effects. The most common, dose-limiting effects appear to be nausea, vomiting and bone marrow depression. The last table lists investigational anticancer agents that can only be obtained from the National Cancer Institute or from the manufacturer. The brand or trade names of some of the anticancer drugs are also included. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Screening for lung cancer
Article Abstract:
Low-dose spiral CT imaging may be able to detect lung tumors that cannot be seen on a chest X-ray. However, it has a 20% false-positive rate, which could lead to unnecessary testing.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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