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Scientists have developed a new drug for prostate cancer that could help up to 80% of patients with the most aggressive and previously untreatable form of the condition.

The new drug is called abiraterone and can be taken as a pill. It works by shrinking the tumours and has shown very few side effects. However, the researchers have warned that they study is still in its early stages and won't be available for some time yet.

goodtoknow says:Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found in men, particularly those over 65. It often progresses very slowly and because of this there may be no symptoms for years. If symptoms do occur they usually involve irritation of the bladder and poor urine flow, passing blood or pain in the penis. Diagnosis is by blood test and bioposy under a local anaesthetic. If the cancer is slow growing, treatment may not be advised as it probably won't affect your life expectancy. This is called 'watchful waiting.'

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of cancer of the prostate from patient.co.uk, read on.

Most cases of prostate cancer develop in older men. In many cases the cancer is slow growing, does not reduce life expectancy, and may not need treatment. In some cases it is more 'aggressive', spreads to other parts of the body, and may benefit from treatment. In general, the more advanced the cancer (the more it has grown and spread), the less chance that treatment will be curative. However, treatment can often slow the progress of the cancer.

• Next: What is the prostate gland?

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