Drug Cuts Side Effects In Prostate Cancer

An alternative hormone blocker called bicalutamide causes fewer side effects in prostate cancer patients, claims a new study. Bicalutamide blocks androgen activity by binding to the hormone's receptors. The study of 51 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer found those taking bicalutamide had improved bone density and fewer side effects than those taking leuprolide, a traditional therapy that lowers androgen levels. "The differences between the two groups were dramatic. Bone mineral density increased among men taking bicalutamide, while men in the leuprolide group lost bone," lead researcher Dr. Matthew Smith, of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, said in a prepared statement.