Drug helps 96% beat testicular cancer

A drug available here has been hailed as one of the reasons behind the soaring success rate in men in beating testicular cancer.

Figures published yesterday by the Cancer Research UK organisation showed survival rates for testicular cancer have now risen to more than 96%. That represents an increased survival rate of almost 30% compared with the 1970s.

Cancer experts attributed much of the increased survival rate to the use of a chemotherapy drug called Cisplatin, also used for bladder, lung, and ovarian cancers.

The Irish Cancer Society said Cisplatin is available in Ireland and the HSE said it had been in use here for 30 years.

Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “A clear success story in cancer research has been the drug Cisplatin, which our scientists helped to develop. This is helping almost all men with testicular cancer to beat the disease and is a shining example of what we can achieve through dedicated research.

“For some types of cancer, the word ‘cure’ is almost a reality — 96% of men with testicular cancer are now cured. But it’s important we recognise the 4% who aren’t surviving the disease, as well as the fact that we still need treatments to be kinder to patients in the future.”

The Irish Cancer Society has stressed the importance of early detection and urged anybody with concerns to meet their GP.

* For more information on testicular cancer, visit the Irish Cancer Society website on www.cancer.ie or call its free helpline: 1800 200700.