Prognostic determinants in the management of prostatic cancer in Ife

Sixty-two patients diagnosed as early and advanced cancer of the prostate gland were studied under three categories. The survival rate of those diagnosed early was 80% in the first five years while the overall survival rate in the series was 19.23%. The prognostic determinants in all categories while under therapy was, however, similar. The study confirmed that poor prognostic features were body weight of about 40 kg, haematocrit below 20%, Urea level of 10 mmol/lit and above, raised white cell count, raised erythrocytes sedimentation rate and total confinement to bed. The paper concluded that these findings, in a local pilot study, are of significance and sufficient value to merit further study and clinical evaluation.