Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
A new study reveals that only 30% of men in a national survey reported having a balanced discussion with their doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. This trend has become less likely since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against PSA testing in 2012.
The ASCO and Cancer Care Ontario have updated their clinical practice guideline on brachytherapy for patients with prostate cancer. The new guidelines recommend different treatment options for patients with varying risk levels, including low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk prostate cancer. For eligible patients, brachytherapy is...
Researchers from Michigan Medicine have identified a novel strategy to target the genetic anomaly that occurs in half of all prostate cancers. They developed large molecule peptides that can effectively target and degrade the ERG fusion with little impact on regular cell function.
Two studies found that radical prostatectomy was associated with greater decreases in sexual function and urinary incontinence compared to active surveillance. However, no significant differences were found in bowel or hormonal function beyond 12 months.
A Vanderbilt University study found that active surveillance is a viable option for low-risk prostate cancer patients, preserving quality of life without significant side effects. The treatment was associated with excellent three-year survival rates and comparable outcomes to traditional treatments.
A new study has identified distinct patterns of side effects in prostate cancer treatment choices, providing insights for patients to make informed decisions. The research found that surgery was linked to higher sexual dysfunction and urinary leakage than other options.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a non-invasive filter-like device to isolate prostate cancer indicators from blood and urine, enabling doctors to track disease progression and treatment response. The technology uses biomarkers to capture tumor cells' genetic information, potentially predicting effective treatments.
Scientists identify a molecular pathway that enables prostate cancer cells to escape the primary tumor and form secondary tumors. This discovery holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies to stop cancer cells from spreading, offering hope for improved treatment options for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that sulforaphane, a dietary compound from broccoli, may work by influencing long, non-coding RNAs. This finding suggests that these lncRNAs play a critical role in triggering cells to become malignant and spread.
A genetic connection to aggressive prostate cancer has been discovered, increasing the risk by threefold for men with a specific gene variant. The study's findings may lead to the development of a blood test to predict disease severity and aid in targeted treatment.
A WSU researcher has discovered that activated enzyme MAOA facilitates the spread of prostate cancer to bones by activating osteoclasts and enhancing bone degradation. Treatment targeting this enzyme shows promise in reducing bone metastasis.
Researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered endostatin's ability to decrease castration-resistant prostate cell growth in culture. Endostatin reduces oxidative stress and targets hormone receptors, shifting metabolism to scavenge reactive oxygen species.
Cabozantinib activates neutrophils, the first-responders of the immune system, to infiltrate tumor cells and trigger an immune response that leads to complete clearance of invasive prostate cancers. This innovative approach could lead to novel combination cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers found that Fluciclovine PET/CT significantly improved targeted therapy for recurrent prostate cancer by defining tumor-targeted areas. The treatment led to higher radiation doses to the penile bulb without increased toxicity.
Researchers developed a new framework to classify human prostate cancer using mathematical approach Latent Process Decomposition (LPD), identifying a novel 'poor prognosis' category called DESNT. This distinction helps target therapy to men with significant cancers, avoiding unnecessary treatments and side effects.
A novel mutation in the DNA repair protein ALKBH7 has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in African American men. The study's findings suggest that this mutation may interfere with the protein's normal activity, leading to reduced ability to repair DNA damage.
Researchers found that a shorter course of radiation therapy, known as moderate hypofractionation, is just as effective at treating prostate cancer while costing less. This approach can help patients recover more quickly and reduces the burden on treatment centers and payers.
Prostate cancer cells grow with malfunction of cholesterol control in cells, a process that allows them to accumulate fat and stimulate uncontrolled growth. Identifying this process could inform the development of better ways to control cholesterol accumulation in tumors.
Researchers developed a novel biofunctionalized silica nanostructure to selectively capture tumor-derived exosomes bearing the PSMA biomarker, overcoming limitations of alternative approaches. The technology enables non-invasive diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer with high recovery yields and improved efficiency.
A study found that taking abiraterone acetate, a widely used prostate cancer drug, with a low-fat breakfast is as effective as taking it on an empty stomach, but at a significantly lower cost. The finding could save patients thousands of dollars per month.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that Importin-11 protects the anti-cancer protein PTEN from degradation by transporting it into the cell nucleus. This discovery suggests that the loss of Importin-11 may destabilize PTEN, leading to cancer development in lung, prostate, and other cancers.
A study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers found that Importin-11 protects the anti-cancer protein PTEN from destruction, leading to cancer progression. Loss of Importin-11 may destabilize PTEN, predicting disease relapse and metastasis in prostate cancer patients.
After prostate cancer surgery, patients often experience penile shortening due to anatomical changes. The study found that this change is shortest 10 days post-surgery but recovers to normal values within 12 months.
Researchers at UC San Francisco and Kaiser Permanente have identified genetic predictors of normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men. This information can be used to improve the accuracy of PSA-based prostate cancer screening tests.
A new gallium-68 labeled peptide BBN-RGD agent has been developed to target both gastrin-releasing peptide receptor and integrin αvβ3, providing dual-receptor targeting and advantages over single-receptor targeting. The agent has shown safety and effectiveness in detecting primary and metastatic prostate cancer lesions.
A study by the NRG Oncology Radiation Therapy Oncology Group found that adding antiandrogen therapy to radiation therapy can reduce the incidence of metastasis, death from prostate cancer, and overall deaths in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. The study showed a significant improvement in survival rates for patients treated wit...
A new treatment regimen combining hormonal therapy with radiation treatment significantly improves the average long-term survival of men with recurrent prostate cancer who have had their prostate gland removed. The study found that this regimen also reduces the frequency of spread of the cancer, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found consistent differences in prostate shape and transitional zone between men with and without prostate cancer. The findings suggest a potential biomarker for disease diagnosis and aggressiveness.
A large-scale study led by Dr. Laurent Azoulay found no association between androgen deprivation therapy and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from nearly 31,000 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer over a 27-year period.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a new microRNA that promotes cancer metastasis, leading to the development of a potential blood test for early detection. The discovery also reveals new targets for drugs that may inhibit cancer spread.
A new MRI scan test may improve diagnosis and reduce unnecessary biopsies for men with suspected prostate cancer. The test detected aggressive cancers correctly in 93% of cases, while avoiding over-diagnosis by 5%. Men without cancer or harmless cancers were also correctly identified.
Researchers found that a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir greater than 0.5 ng/mL following radiation and androgen deprivation therapy identifies men prior to PSA failure who are at high risk for dying early. This marker can help identify men in need of more aggressive treatment, potentially making it curable.
A recent randomized trial compared active monitoring, surgery, and radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. The study's results may be limited by differences in the active monitoring protocol and advances in treatment methods.
A new study published in the Journal of Urology found that men with prostate cancer who experience high levels of emotional distress are more likely to choose aggressive treatment options, such as surgery and radiation therapy. The researchers suggest that providing clearer information about prognosis and strategies for dealing with an...
Researchers at the University Health Network have discovered a genetic fingerprint that explains why up to 30% of men with localized prostate cancer develop aggressive disease after radiotherapy or surgery. This finding could help clinicians personalize effective treatments from diagnosis, leading to improved cure rates.
A new study finds that prostate cancer treatment rates dropped by 42% due to changes in screening recommendations, but treatment rates among those diagnosed remained high. Low-risk patients with limited life expectancy can now opt for surveillance instead of treatment.
A landmark study reveals that men with a family history of prostate cancer and the BRCA2 gene fault have a more aggressive form of prostate cancer. The study shows that these cancers are genetically similar to advanced cancers, explaining why BRCA2 patients have poor outcomes.
Scientists at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified gatekeeper genes that allow prostate cancer to progress and resist treatment. The study highlights opportunities to prevent or reverse this process, offering new insights into lineage plasticity and its application in other types of cancers.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have identified a novel signaling circuit driving therapy resistance in advanced prostate cancer. Targeting the components of this circuit, such as the NF-kB pathway and microRNA miR-196b-3p, shows promise in blocking the expression of stem cell transcription factors that fuel aggressive tumor growth.
A new UCL-led phase III clinical trial found that vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) can effectively kill cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. Around half of patients treated with VTP went into complete remission, compared to 13.5% in the control group.
A study of three genes associated with prostate cancer found that men with inherited mutations are more likely to develop aggressive forms and die earlier. The study suggests that germline mutations in these genes can be used to predict risk for lethal prostate cancer.
A DNA methylation biomarker called PITX2 has been identified as a reliable predictor of prostate cancer recurrence. The study found that patients with high PITX2 methylation levels were at significantly increased risk for recurrence. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for prostate cancer patients.
A 15-year study of prostate cancer patients found little difference in mortality between those screened annually and those not screened. However, the data suggest that personalized screening strategies could identify men at higher risk of death from other diseases.
A panel of urologists and radiologists recommends using prostate MRI and MRI targeted biopsy for patients with suspected prostate cancer despite a prior negative biopsy. The recommended guidelines aim to improve detection rates, accuracy, and treatment options for these patients.
A novel imaging agent, Zr-89-Df-IAB2M, has been shown to detect metastasis of prostate cancer in both bone and soft tissue lesions with high accuracy. The agent targets PSMA on the exterior of prostate cancer cells, allowing for faster and more accurate detection than conventional methods.
Researchers report good results in patients with metastatic prostate cancer using bipolar androgen therapy (BAT), which alternately floods and starves the body of testosterone. The treatment has been safe and effective, with PSA levels falling, tumors shrinking, and some men showing a complete remission.
Researchers develop a novel method to track an antibody targeting the hormone receptor pathway involved in prostate cancer. The technique uses PET scans to detect and monitor disease progression in real-time, enabling personalized treatment guidance.
A study by King's College London found that black men face barriers to participating in prostate cancer research, including mistrust of researchers and a preference for traditional medicines. The researchers suggest community-driven engagement and dissemination of reliable information as ways to improve inclusion.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers may lead to a more accurate system for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. The computer model uses medical images to reproduce the growth patterns of prostate cancer on the anatomy of a patient's prostate.
A team of researchers has developed a new prediction model that uses crowdsourced data from 550 international researchers to provide more accurate prognosis for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The model, called ePCR, was developed through a collaboration between 16 institutions and used a computational le...
The University of California, Irvine has received a $1.2 million grant to develop more effective ways for prostate cancer patients and their physicians to customize treatment. The two-year clinical study will use patient-reported disease burden and tumor biomarkers to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
A new study by researchers at the University of Victoria and Australia's National Drug Research Institute found a statistically significant dose-response relationship between alcohol intake and risk of prostate cancer. Current drinkers who consumed high volumes had an increased risk, even at low-volume drinking levels.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute found TRAP1 increases tumor cell proliferation and invasion while providing a potential new therapeutic target for prostate cancer. TRAP1 overexpression combined with PTEN loss led to aggressive invasive prostate cancer in mice.
Researchers have discovered that the NAALADL2 molecule, which indicates more aggressive prostate cancer, can also be used to guide treatments. This new marker has the potential to distinguish between slow-growing and fast-growing prostate cancers.
A study of 2386 men with localized prostate cancer found that second opinions did not affect treatment choice or quality of care. Men who sought second opinions due to dissatisfaction with their initial urologist were less likely to receive definitive treatment.
Following the USPSTF recommendation against population-based PSA screening, median biopsy volume per urologist decreased by 29% and RP volume decreased by 16%. Prostate cancer diagnostic and therapeutic practice patterns have shifted significantly.
A special issue of Future Oncology examines the latest breakthroughs in prostate cancer imaging, including multiparametric MRI and PET imaging. The issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field's current state and future directions.
A SWOG study found widespread detection bias in prostate cancer biopsies, affecting younger, healthier men and those with family history or elevated PSA levels. Biases led to inconsistent results on risk factors, highlighting the need for rigorous data analysis and caution against assumptions.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a connection between the genetic mechanisms that trigger Ewing's sarcoma and prostate cancer. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for patients with both diseases.
African American men have higher incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer due to genetic factors and socioeconomic disparities. MNX1 is a new oncogene identified as more active in African American prostate cancer, which can lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment approaches.