17 Aug 2014

Possible prostate cancer breakthrough

5:16 pm on 17 August 2014

A new type of treatment for prostate cancer is being hailed as a huge step forward in combating the disease.

More than 1000 men were involved in a five-year study in which three different combinations of medicine were used.

A new type of treatment for prostate cancer is being hailed as a huge step forward in combatting the disease.

A new type of treatment for prostate cancer is being hailed as a huge step forward in combatting the disease. Photo: AFP

The study, by the Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group, included a different type of anti-cancer drug with radiotherapy and testosterone suppression therapy.

Used for 18 months the treatment reduced the risk of spread of tumours by more than 40 percent.

One of the trial investigators, John Matthews, said this was a significant step forward for prostate cancer treatment and eliminates many side effects from other treatments of prostate cancer.