Prostate Cancer Foundation

 of men with prostate cancer in Italy suggests that men with prostate cancer who were taking ADT were 4 times less likely to be infected with the coronavirus than men who were not on ADT (

), and 5 times less likely to die. These new findings are a game-changer and may lead to potential treatments for COVID-19, even in men without prostate cancer.

Prof. Andrea Alimonti and team looked at more than 9000 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Veneto, Italy; they also used data on all cancer patients in the region for comparison. Among all prostate cancer patients, only 4 out of 5,273 men on ADT developed COVID-19 infection. None of the men died. Among 37,161 men with prostate cancer who were not receiving ADT, 114 developed COVID-19 and 18 died.

Why might this be? The coronavirus relies on a protein called TMPRSS2 to enter cells. Once inside the cell, the virus hijacks the cell’s protein-making machinery, churns out new copies of itself, and destroys the cell. TMPRSS2 is regulated by male hormones such as testosterone. Lower testosterone means lower levels of TMPRSS2 in the prostate. For years, PCF has been funding research on how TMPRSS2 could be leveraged to treat prostate cancer. The hope is that this accumulated knowledge on TMPRSS2 can be applied to COVID-19 in the lungs. ADT lowers testosterone, potentially decreasing the amount of TMPRSS2 on lung cells, and — as this study suggests – leading to lower infection rates and possibly less death among men with prostate cancer who are taking ADT.

A single dose of ADT — like a shot of Lupron or degarelix – may offer protection to men without prostate cancer who are infected with COVID-19. Clinical trials will soon be underway in the PCF-VA network at hospitals in LA, Seattle, and New York City. Other clinical trials have been launched in Denmark and Japan, and at other major medical centers in the US. From data discovery to the first patient with COVID-19 treated with PCF TMPRSS2 expertise took less than 5 weeks. This is an absolute historic first for speed of prostate cancer researchers turning to the fight against COVID-19.

Until the clinical trials are completed, no recommendations to give ADT to men with COVID-19 can be made. However, PCF will be a global platform for sharing all the anti-TMPRSS2 clinical trials aimed at COVID-19 for doctors and nurses caring for COVID-19 patients around the world. Go to 

At this time, there are also no recommendations to give ADT to men with prostate cancer solely for COVID-19 protection. If you have prostate cancer, you should continue to follow your established treatment plan and take precautions such as frequent handwashing, not touching your face, and social distancing and wearing of face coverings as recommended by local public health guidelines.

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A PCF-funded study of men with prostate cancer in Italy suggests that men with prostate cancer who were taking ADT were 4 times less likely to be infected with the coronavirus than men who were not on ADT (androgen deprivation therapy), and 5 times less likely to die. These new findings are a game-changer and may lead to potential treatments for COVID-19, even in men without prostate cancer.
 

ADT May Offer Some Protection From COVID-19 in Men with Prostate Cancer

, we realize that many of you who have been affected by prostate cancer, or whose loved ones have been affected by prostate cancer, might be wondering if special precautions need to be taken with the coronavirus pandemic unfolding. We have always believed that evidence out of science and research are the best tools for solving patients’ problems, whether that’s cancer or public health emergencies. As such, we will do our best to use science to provide information and a steady hand in this tumultuous situation.

Scientists know that the coronavirus (aka COVID-19 

) can affect your immune system, although we are still learning more. Based on recent data as reported in the journal 

, it appears that the virus hits the immune system early and knocks down the white blood cells that fight infections. This translates to respiratory disease for most patients who become sick with COVID-19.

, whether you have been affected by prostate cancer or not, is that if you are having symptoms as described 

, such as a fever (99.1°F [37.3°C] or higher), persistent cough, or shortness of breath, you need to call your doctor.

 having symptoms, it is important that you follow the guidelines to stay safe and avoid spreading the disease. It is critical that all citizens, not just those with prostate cancer, adhere to 

 and local public health guidelines (here’s an example of one source of local guidelines from the 

). You can view the full, trusted list of prevention tactics 

 with soap, especially after blowing your nose and before eating, 2) 

, where the virus can readily enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth.

That said, here are a few extra details for those of you in the prostate cancer journey:

diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer

 — for example, you’re on active surveillance, are receiving radiation treatment, or are scheduled for surgery &mdash; you are not at increased risk of severe disease with COVID-19. This is because early prostate cancer has not been shown to significantly affect your immune system and your ability to fight infection. Unlike some blood cancers, early prostate cancer does not affect your T cells’ and B cells’ (i.e., the cells that rule your immune system) ability to fight viral and bacterial infections normally.

If you’re on a form of hormone therapy, there is no published evidence of increased risk of severity of Coronavirus infection. Extensive research in tens of thousands of patients on medications such as Lupron® or Zytiga® or Xtandi® shows there is no evidence that these treatments put a prostate cancer patient at higher risk of other viral infections like seasonal influenza, the common cold, or hepatitis. Experts feel the immune cells are normally functioning in normal virus infections in men on hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. Coronavirus however is not a normal virus, and if there is new data on patients on hormonal therapy with COVID-19 we are monitoring it and will share it.

Chemotherapy treatment (such as taxotere, carboplatin, or cabazitaxel) for advanced prostate cancer 

 increase your risk of greater Coronavirus infection severity. PCF and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (

) and the CDC are monitoring the data on the treatment and outcomes of cancer patients with COVID-19. Because prostate cancer chemotherapy affects rapidly-dividing cells in the body — both cancerous and normal cells &mdash; your bone marrow makes fewer infection-fighting cells, leaving you at higher risk for all types of infection. You should talk to your doctor about how your particular case should be managed in your local area. If your white blood cell count is being monitored in particular during your treatment with chemotherapy, talk to your doctor before coming in for a clinic visit. You want to be assured that from getting out of your car to getting back into your car to go home, you are in a healthcare environment that is maximally prepared to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

, there is no data yet from China (the country where the disease has impacted the most people, and therefore where information is “leading”), but as we get it, we will share it with our community.

 can increase your risk of severe disease if you are exposed to COVID-19, regardless of prostate cancer diagnosis. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, emphysema, or former heavy smoking) and conditions that affect your immune system (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease or a history of transplant) may also increase your risk.

At PCF we are tracking any real-time data on COVID-19 in cancer patients that’s credible and peer-reviewed.  This page will list a number of resources for patients and families and we will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.

With kind regards for the health of you and your family,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website has a specific 

 devoted to COVID-19, including practical tips for preventing illness, updates on the number of cases in the US, and answers to commonly asked questions. People at higher risk of serious illness from the virus (defined as older adults or those with serious chronic medical conditions) should read 

 includes an update on global cases, information on transmission and diagnosis, how to protect yourself, and much more.

Your state or local health department website may have updated information for your specific area; larger communities may be more likely to have more comprehensive information and/or resources in multiple languages. See, for example, the County of Los Angeles Public Health 

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle has a 

 specifically for cancer patients, caregivers, and family members, including information about risk factors and ways to reduce your risk of infection.

Patients with prostate cancer are facing a unique situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the resources the Prostate Cancer Foundation is offering to help patients in this turbulent situation. 

Prostate Cancer Foundation's COVID-19 Resources

Rob Crocker knows a lot about jazz. He started out as a jazz musician in Brooklyn, New York. When his hearing was damaged during the Vietnam War, he switched to jazz radio and programming jazz, with a focus on Brazilian music. His recognizably warm, velvety voice is familiar to radio audiences worldwide, and in New York City, where he currently hosts jazz shows on WBGO, he holds the record (no pun intended) as the longest-running disc jockey in the history of jazz radio.

But Rob didn’t know very much about prostate cancer, and when he was diagnosed with it several years ago, he needed help navigating the treatment and side effects — first of radical prostatectomy, and then of radiation therapy, after his PSA started to go up again. Fortunately, in addition to having good doctors at the VA New York Harbor Health Care System, Manhattan campus, he found a caring Urology Nurse Practitioner, Jenny Chen, ARNP. “Jenny was my confidante,” says Rob. “She talked me through all of it. Without Jenny, I probably would not have been able to be so strong about it.”

A good nurse can make a huge difference for a patient struggling to deal with an illness, not only in comfort, or pain relief, or even in teaching how to manage symptoms or side effects — but in hope and confidence.  Among the most significant issues men with prostate cancer must deal with are side effects of surgery and radiation, including erectile dysfunction. “Jenny is one of the few people who insists that I do not give up hope for a relationship, that I do not give up hope for happiness in life, that this is not a major issue – from Day 1 to now.”

With medical oncologist Iman Osman, M.D., Jenny Chen sees men with early to locally advanced prostate cancer. “I have a lot of great patients,” she says, “and it’s important that they can share their issues with me,” particularly issues with recovery of sexual function. “I go over the treatment options and see which ones they are open to trying,” talking together with the patient’s spouse or partner, if possible. “Some of the partners are understanding, and some are not so understanding,” she notes. “For men, this is a very sensitive topic.”   Because her patients are also soldiers — who are taught to be tough, not complain, and just carry on – sometimes it takes a while for them to open up and discuss something that can make them feel vulnerable and inadequate.

But Jenny wants them to know that help is available, that there is hope, and that this disease does not define them. 

“Mr. Crocker is one of my great patients. It’s so rewarding when I’m able to address the issues and they have a positive result. Many of my patients,” like Rob, “have become friends. They stop by and say, ‘I just came to see you.’  It’s a great feeling; I’m so happy to be part of the team. Mr. Crocker is one of my favorite patients. I’m so touched, taking care of these wonderful Veterans. I feel so happy to be here every day.”

Rob’s prostate cancer was likely caused by exposure to the pesticide, 

 Combat Division of the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 — first in the infantry, then with assault helicopters. “We were up in the northern highlands,” he says. “I didn’t even know about Agent Orange. I just thought some of these plants looked strange!”  Years later, in 2013, when he was in his late sixties, prostate cancer was not on Rob’s radar at all. “My doctor said, ‘Your PSA level’s up, we should do a biopsy.’  I remember, I was sitting in the doctor’s office afterward for the result. I said, ‘I guess I’m wasting your time,’ and I was crossing my legs. The doctor said, ‘Not exactly,’ and my leg just froze in mid-air. Due to the Agent Orange, it was a rapid progression.”

When the cancer came back after surgery, it was nurse Jenny who convinced Rob to undergo radiation therapy.  At every visit, they talked, “about the cancer, my sex life, my emotional life, how they all relate, now not to give in, and all the different ways you can work around it,” says Rob. “After seeing her, I would always walk out straight up, because Jenny gave me the power to keep on going in the beginning. I did not want to do the radiation, but Jenny convinced me. She cares. She’s a 

 professional, not just a medical professional.”

If Rob Crocker could give any advice to younger men, it’s this: “Don’t wait. Get tested early. I waited too long. In my day, it was the finger (the rectal exam, the primary means of detecting prostate cancer before the PSA blood test came along), and I was like, ‘No, thank you! Then the blood test came, and I thought, ‘Nah.’  But my doctor was persistent, and I finally broke down and said okay. By that point, it was too late. My advice is, don’t wait. Get the blood test ASAP. Wherever you are, whatever walk of life you are.”

And now Jenny Chen’s advice: “Prostate cancer is not a death sentence. There are so many treatments out there. No one wants to have a diagnosis of prostate cancer, but many men can be cured. If it’s diagnosed early, they can still have a good lifestyle. Even with metastatic cancer, we have better treatment options now.”  There is hope.

A good nurse can make a huge difference for a patient struggling to deal with an illness, not only in comfort, or pain relief, or even in teaching how to manage symptoms or side effects – but in hope and confidence.

Nurse Jenny Chen: Making a Difference for Veterans with Prostate Cancer

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), the world’s leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating prostate cancer research, announced today that the newly revised 

.  The guide, which was first published in late 2017, is a comprehensive resource for diagnosis, treatment, side effects, survivorship, and risk factors for patients and families with a history of prostate cancer. Because prostate cancer standards of practice change due to rapidly advancing scientific breakthroughs, this document is updated throughout the year in its electronic form.

 focuses all of the information available about contemporary prostate cancer research, treatments and lifestyle factors into one consolidated resource.  It is for any man who has been newly diagnosed, is in treatment, or is concerned about a rising prostate specific antigen (PSA). Because prostate cancer is one of the most heritable cancers, the guide includes information for all family members, both men and women, about genetic cancer risks.  It is also for any caregiver who wants to cut through the information noise and get directly to need-to-know information for prostate cancer patient navigation. 

“We at PCF work daily on the front lines of science to find treatments and cures for prostate cancer, and because of our investments over the past 25 years, we are in a remarkable period where progress for patients is taking place more rapidly than ever before,” said Christine Jones, COO, PCF.  “It is our duty to provide patients with the most comprehensive information available about prostate cancer so that they may have highly informed discussions with their doctors and make the best choices based on state-of-the-art medical research.”

Also available for immediate download is the new resource, 

Additional Facts for African-American Men and Their Families

.  This guide specifically addresses the risks and issues associated with prostate cancer in African-Americans, who are 76 percent more likely to be diagnosed and more than twice as likely to die from the disease vs. other ethnicities. It also highlights PCF’s research focused on identifying and overcoming health disparities.

 To further improve access to information that can improve outcomes by getting patients on “

” as soon as possible, PCF has also launched its 

 in collaboration with Smart Patients.  Because finding a trial can be confusing for patients, PCF has custom-curated trials that may be specifically relevant to men with prostate cancer.  The tool allows men to search based on their disease state, stage, and their geographical location.

In addition to the guides, and because it is important to provide regular science updates as well as feature stories about patients, families and researchers, PCF is collaborating with award-winning science writer Janet Farrar Worthington, whose series of articles about prostate cancer can be found exclusively on pcf.org. Her straightforward, approachable style allows readers to connect with the difficult topic and academic science on a more human level.  Recent stories include “

Stopping the Runaway Train: A Brand New Way to Kill Prostate Cancer

Aggressive Prostate Cancer and Our ‘Dark DNA

PCF also provides several online communities through Facebook groups where men and their families can communicate, advise, and seek advice from others who are at a similar stage in the prostate cancer journey.  PCF offers groups for patients (including separate groups for newly diagnosed and for those facing metastatic disease), caregivers, and survivors. Recently, patients with metastatic prostate cancer have shared their experiences with genetic testing among the group.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world's leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating prostate cancer and other research. Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised more than $770 million and provided funding to more than 2,000 research programs at more than 210 cancer centers and universities. The PCF global research enterprise extends to 22 countries and funds a robust research portfolio. The PCF advocates for greater awareness of prostate cancer and more efficient investment of governmental research funds for transformational cancer research. Its efforts have helped produce a 20-fold increase in government funding for prostate cancer. More information about the PCF can be found at 

The Prostate Cancer Foundation announced the newly revised 2019 Prostate Cancer Patient Guide, a comprehensive resource for diagnosis, treatment, side effects, survivorship, and risk factors for patients and families with a history of prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Foundation

ADT May Offer Some Protection From COVID-19 in Men with Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Foundation's COVID-19 Resources

Nurse Jenny Chen: Making a Difference for Veterans with Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Foundation's Robust Collection of New Patient Resources Now Available

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