• Alternative forms of radiotherapy with neutron beams. New devices producing more powerful forms of
external radiation using proton and neutron beams have been developed, and patients are being treated in clinical
trials.
Most current investigational chemotherapy protocols employ standard chemotherapeutic agents in varying combinations. Unfortunately, they have not been promising. But breakthroughs may be possible in the coming years. While the prostate cancer cell itself may resist toxic chemicals, certain parts of its environment may be more amenable to attack. For example, certain growth factors are needed to stimulate prostate cancer cell growth. Drugs that alter the behaviour of these growth factors may inhibit the cancer's rate of progress. One drug now being investigated for its ability to do just this is Suramin. Although few studies have been done, there is reason to believe that Suramin may be helpful for some patients with advanced disease.
