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San Francisco--A commonly prescribed antibiotic and alpha-blocker appear to be ineffective in the treatment of men with moderate to severe chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome of long duration. Results of a multicenter study found that both ciprofloxacin and tamsulosin-used primarily in the treatment of urinary tract infections and BPH, respectively-offered no significant benefit in the treatment of chronic prostatitis in patients who were heavily pretreated and had long-standing symptoms.

Prostate cancer patients who receive radiotherapy within 6 months of surgery live longer than those who do not receive radiotherapy, according to an Italian study appearing in the Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics (2004; 59:674-83).

La Jolla, CA--Analysis of data from a prospective, population-based study shows common risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in mid-life men significantly predict erectile dysfunction 25 years later.

Regardless of whether it is given adjuvantly or as salvage therapy, radiation therapy reduces the likelihood of prostate cancer recurrence, according to a study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics (2004; 59: 329-40).

San Francisco--Second-look nephroscopy following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) could be supplanted by metabolic evaluation and aggressive medical therapy, said researchers from the Duke University Medical Center. Second-look nephroscopy is currently the gold standard for assessing and achieving stone-free status, but the Duke researchers sought to determine whether this additional procedure was necessary.

Studies of the effect of chemotherapy in men with metastatic prostatecancer have been enticing and, at the same time, disappointing. While showingPSA response in some cases, these studies have previously failed to demonstrateimproved survival. This is all about to change, and for the better. We areentering an exciting new era in the management of this patient population.