William R. Berry, MD, medical oncologist, Duke University, discusses novel imaging techniques for patients with prostate cancer.  

Berry says that imaging in prostate cancer has been primitive for more than 50 years. According to Berry, CAT scans can diagnose in large lymph nodes, but they cannot show what is in them.     

There are new scans based on molecular imaging, such as PET scans. These are small molecule photon emitters of radionuclides onto a certain type of chemical product that may be specifically taken up by the tumor, explains Berry.   

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William R. Berry, MD, medical oncologist, Duke University, discusses novel imaging techniques for patients with prostate cancer.

Dr. Berry on Novel Imaging Techniques for Prostate Cancer

William R. Berry, MD, medical oncologist, Duke University, discusses determining when to use luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonists versus agonists for patients with prostate cancer.

Before LHRH antagonists, there was a concern for patients who presented with metastatic disease, particularly metastatic disease in the bone, states Berry. Many of these patients would experience a surge of bone pain after starting therapy.

There is an indication to use the antagonist as they present with fewer symptoms than agonists, explains Berry.

Dr. Berry on LHRH Antagonists Versus Agonists for Prostate Cancer

William R. Berry, MD, medical oncologist, Duke University, talks about the differences between luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonists and agonists.

Agonists and antagonists are similar drugs because they both indicate for the decrease in the testicle's testosterone production. However, agonists and antagonists differ in how they work through the pituitary gland.

When agonists bind to the pituitary gland's LHRH receptor, the receptor's initial stimulation results in the excess release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), causing early testosterone release in the testicles typically within the first 10 days after therapy. Antagonists block the receptor from the start, resulting in the immediate decrease in FSH and LH secretion, causing an instant decrease in the testicle's testosterone production.

The FDA-approved agonist drugs include leuprolide acetate (Eligard) and goserelin (Zoladex), and the only FDA-approved antagonist is degarelix (Firmagon).

William R. Berry, MD

Articles

Dr. Berry on Novel Imaging Techniques for Prostate Cancer

Dr. Berry on LHRH Antagonists Versus Agonists for Prostate Cancer

Dr. Berry on the Differences Between LHRH Antagonists and Agonists