Immunology

Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (TSE: 4503) and Medivation, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDVN) today announced results of a national survey of men with advanced prostate cancer and caregivers of men with advanced prostate cancer. Results showed that while patients who participated in the survey are generally optimistic, a good number may feel isolated in coping with their disease. Forty-five percent reported they keep silent about their prostate cancer and treatments, and 59 percent are concerned about becoming a burden to family and friends. By comparison, only 43 percent of patient respondents have the same level of concern about dying.

Caregivers who participated in the survey expressed a high degree of stress associated with their roles. Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) said there are days when they feel overwhelmed caring for someone with advanced prostate cancer and 85 percent said they experience stress or anxiety related to their loved one's well-being. However, caregiver respondents are more concerned about helping their loved one cope with the physical and emotional effects of advanced disease (83 percent) than they are about their own physical or emotional health (58 percent).

Astellas Pharma US, Inc. and Medivation, Inc. commissioned the Advanced Prostate Cancer Patient and Caregiver Burden of Illness Survey through Harris Interactive, and sponsored four leading cancer advocacy and education organizations to collaborate on the initiative: The Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), CancerCare, Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), and Us TOO Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network. The survey was conducted online among 91 men with advanced prostate cancer and 100 caregivers of such men, and was designed to evaluate the physical and emotional impact of advanced prostate cancer on both patients and caregivers.

"Little, if any, research has been completed to understand the current experience of U.S. men living with advanced prostate cancer or caregivers to these men," said Thomas A. Farrington, founder and president of PHEN. "This survey provides much-needed information that will help us better support them, particularly as there is evidence that men are now living longer with advanced disease."

More than 50 percent of patients who participated in the survey have been living with a prostate cancer diagnosis for at least six years. Nearly one-third of survey respondents (33 percent) reported living with a diagnosis for more than 10 years and 17 percent said they are currently living with another cancer diagnosis in addition to prostate cancer.

Caregiver respondents reported an average caregiving duration of nearly five years. Sixteen percent have been providing care for more than eight years.

Key findings from patients who participated in the survey reveal: