Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
Research suggests that men who have slept with more than 20 women may have a lower risk of prostate cancer, while those with multiple male partners are at higher risk. The study found a 28% reduction in prostate cancer risk for men with many female partners and a twofold increase in risk for those with multiple male partners.
Researchers have developed a device that can detect markers of kidney disease and prostate cancer in urine samples, offering instant results and potentially higher accuracy. The device uses DNA sequences to latch onto disease markers, allowing for early detection at ultra-low concentrations.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against using the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer in most men, citing an increased risk of false positives and overdiagnosis. The guideline aims to balance potential benefits with substantial harms.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that vitamin D upregulates GDF-15, a gene suppressing inflammation in prostate tissue. This suggests vitamin D could be used to target NFkB, promoting tumor suppression.
Prostate cancer cells hoard copper, and researchers have found a way to deliver a trove of copper along with a drug that selectively destroys the diseased cells. This combination approach could lead to improved treatments for late-stage disease.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels after prostate cancer surgery had a higher risk of disease recurrence. Normalizing lipid levels may reduce this risk.
A new study identifies a set of RNA molecules in urine and tissue samples that can detect prostate cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. These long noncoding RNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, offering a promising approach to reduce overtreatment and morbidity.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a genetic variant near the KLK3 gene that can predict aggressive prostate cancer in GS7 patients. The study found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the KLK3 gene associated with disease aggression, providing potential biomarkers for personalized treatment.
A novel robotic system is being tested to determine if it can make prostate cancer biopsies faster, more accurate, less costly, and less discomforting for patients. The robot uses real-time MRI images to guide the insertion of needles, potentially delivering therapies with greater precision.
A new study led by Henry Ford researchers found that guidelines recommending against routine prostate cancer screening in elderly men have had little effect. The study analyzed data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and found significant variability in PSA screening rates across states and regions.
A major new study shows that some prostate cancer treatments can stop working over time and even drive tumour growth. Researchers identified a 'treatment paradigm' using repeated blood samples to monitor signs of therapy becoming counter-productive.
A global team of scientists has found 23 new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 87,000 men, suggests that these variants may be important in regulating genes rather than making proteins.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered 23 new regions of the genome linked to prostate cancer risk, with testing potentially identifying men with a six times higher risk. This brings the total number of genetic variants linked to prostate cancer to 100.
A phase I/II trial of hypofractionated radiation therapy found that prostate cancer patients reported similar quality of life, bladder and bowel function before and after treatment. The study's results also indicated that different regimens of hypofractionated RT produced similar outcomes in terms of patient-reported quality of life.
A global study of 80,000 men with prostate cancer has identified another 23 prostate cancer risk loci, bringing the total to 100 genetic regions associated with the disease. The study found that these genetic variants explain 33% of familial risk and can be used to predict aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 surveys to track changes in urinary and sexual symptoms following various prostate cancer treatments. The study found that certain treatments, such as surgery and low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR), may cause temporary increases in symptoms, while others, like intensity modulated radiation ther...
A genetic discovery has led to a highly accurate test for aggressive prostate cancer recurrence, identifying new avenues for treatment. The test is 91 percent accurate and could potentially lead to a cure through genetic therapy.
A large cohort analysis found a significant link between male pattern baldness and aggressive prostate cancer. Men with specific hair loss patterns at age 45 were at a 40% increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. The study supports earlier research suggesting a biological link between baldness and prostate cancer.
A major international study identified 23 new genetic variants associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, explaining a third of the inherited risk. Testing for these variants can identify 1% of men with a risk almost six times as high as the population average.
A global study of over 87,000 individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds has discovered 23 new genetic factors that contribute to the development of prostate cancer. The research, led by Keck School of Medicine at USC, provides valuable insights into the causes of this disease and may lead to better prevention strategies.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have successfully grown prostate cancer organoids from human tumors, providing a new tool for testing cancer drugs and personalizing treatment. The addition of these organoids doubles the number of existing prostate cancer cell lines, offering a more accurate representation of the d...
A blood test detecting the 'nicked' protein AR-V7 in prostate cancer patients can predict resistance to commonly used treatments enzalutamide and abiraterone. This biomarker may help tailor treatment strategies for men with detectable levels of AR-V7.
Researchers in Guangdong, China have developed a new non-invasive method to screen for prostate cancer using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy combined with support vector machine (SVM) analysis. The technique achieved an accuracy of 98.1 percent in identifying cases of cancer.
A study of 1,806 men with prostate cancer found that those consuming high amounts of tomatoes and lycopene had an 18% lower risk of developing the disease. Men are advised to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, and stay active to reduce their risk.
A new study found that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures for prostate cancer increased from 0.7% to 42% among US surgeons between 2003 and 2010. RARP adoption was associated with higher volume providers and decreased costs over time.
A UCLA study found that men with low prostate cancer knowledge experience increased decisional conflict and lower perceived effectiveness of treatment. Doctors can help by providing educational information before consultations to increase patients' comprehension and reduce regret.
Researchers matched 25 patients' treatment outcomes with their tumor's RNA sequence, finding similarities that could aid diagnosis and predict effective treatment. The study suggests that RNA sequencing may be a useful tool to aid personalized medicine in prostate cancer.
A nationwide population-based study in Sweden found that six percent of men filled a prescription for antibiotics within 30 days after having a prostate biopsy, with a twofold increase in hospital admissions over five years. Men with prior infections or significant comorbidities were at highest risk.
A European trial with 13-year follow-up found that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing can reduce prostate cancer deaths by about a fifth. However, due to the risk of over-diagnosis and overtreatment, routine PSA screening is not currently recommended.
The prostate cancer risk calculator has been updated to provide a more nuanced result, helping men understand their risk of low-grade and high-grade prostate cancer. The new calculator incorporates current risk factors and an advanced statistical model to distinguish between the prediction of low-grade and high-grade disease.
A new epigenetic test has been validated to accurately predict prostate cancer risk, eliminating the need for unnecessary repeat biopsies. The test demonstrated a negative predictive value of 90% in one trial and 88% in another, confirming its potential as a diagnostic aid.
Prostate cancer in younger men is more frequent and aggressive, with tumors growing quickly. Genetic mutations are a key factor in these cases, which may require increased surveillance or counseling.
Two studies suggest that primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for low-risk prostate cancer is not associated with improved survival rates. Alternative treatments may be more effective for patients, but must consider the potential adverse effects and costs of ADT.
A new study found that physicians play a crucial role in determining whether older men with low-risk prostate cancer receive treatment or undergo active surveillance. Researchers identified significant variations in treatment and observation rates among urologists, with urologist characteristics accounting for more than double the rate...
A UCLA study found that depressed men with localized prostate cancer were more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive cancer, received less effective treatments, and had shorter survival times. The study identified demographic factors that contributed to the disparity in treatment and outcomes.
A study from Harvard School of Public Health found that vasectomy is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, including advanced and lethal forms. The association remained even among men who received regular PSA screening, suggesting a potential link between the procedure and aggressive prostate cancer.
A new study by the Endocrine Society found that BPA reprograms human fetal prostate tissue, increasing the risk of precancerous lesions. Exposure to low doses of BPA was shown to alter fetal prostate formation and increase stem cells, potentially leading to disease with aging.
Men with prostate cancer who played football for 12 weeks experienced significant gains in muscle mass and strength despite undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. The study also highlighted the positive social experiences and desire to remain active that came from playing football.
A survey of urologists and radiation oncologists found that most specialists view active surveillance as an effective treatment option but often fail to recommend it for their own patients. Instead, they tend to recommend treatments provided by their own specialty.
The American Cancer Society has released guidelines to support primary care of estimated 2.8 million men with a history of prostate cancer in the US. The guidelines outline posttreatment clinical follow-up care for long-term and late effects, including health promotion, surveillance for recurrence, and management of physical and psycho...
A new PSMA-based imaging agent, F-18 DCFBC PET/CT, has been developed to detect prostate cancer and monitor treatment response. The study shows the agent's effectiveness in detecting both castration-sensitive and castration-resistant forms of the disease.
A study published in Endocrine-Related Cancer has identified specific molecules in seminal fluid that can detect prostate cancer and predict its severity. The presence of these microRNAs, particularly miR-200b, shows promise as a prognostic tool for indicating treatment urgency and type.
The clinical validation study showed ProMark correctly identified low-risk disease with a sensitivity of 90% or better. The test provided additional independent prediction relative to standard risk-stratification systems, improving personalized treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients.
A Phase III clinical trial found that enzalutamide significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer progression by 81 percent and improved overall survival by 29 percent. The treatment also helped prevent cancer spread to bones and delayed chemotherapy needs.
A new study found that prostate cancer patients who underwent external beam radiation therapy were 70% more likely to develop rectal cancer and 40% more likely for bladder cancer. Survivors should be aware of symptoms such as pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, or blood in stool to monitor for potential secondary cancers.
A behavior-altering enzyme commonly used in depression medications has been linked to prostate cancer growth. Suppressing this enzyme may reduce or eliminate prostate tumor growth and metastasis, offering a potential new treatment for men with metastatic prostate cancer.
Research suggests circumcision may reduce prostate cancer risk in certain populations, including Black men with a 60% lower risk. The study found no significant association between circumcision and prostate cancer risk for other ancestral groups.
A commercial epigenetic diagnostic test has been found to be accurate enough to exclude the need for repeat prostate biopsies in many men. The test analyzes DNA hypermethylation levels in specific genes and shows an 88% likelihood of no cancer when all three biomarkers are absent.
A recent study by Northwell Health demonstrates that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided biopsies can detect prostate cancer more accurately, with a detection rate twice as high as previous data. The new targeted approach uses MRI and transrectal ultrasound fusion to identify clinically significant prostate cancer.
The Prolaris test accurately predicted 10-year death rates from prostate cancer and outperformed antiquated upgrading practice. In conservatively managed patients, the test differentiated high-risk disease from lower-risk disease.
A new UCLA study reveals that conventional biopsies may fail to detect aggressive cancers in men with low-risk prostate cancer, highlighting the need for a targeted biopsy approach. The findings suggest that the criteria for active surveillance should be re-evaluated to account for the risk inflation seen with targeted prostate biopsy.
A nationwide patient survey found that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is as safe as open surgery for Medicare patients over 65, but with higher costs. The study compared post-operative complications, blood transfusions, and hospital stays between RARP and open surgery.
Researchers have identified a new microRNA, hsa-miR-765, that suppresses expression of HMGA1 in prostate cancer cells, offering potential as a targeted therapy. The microRNA is activated by an FDA-approved anti-estrogen drug, fulvestrant.
A study by UCLA researchers found that treating older men with early-stage prostate cancer who also have other serious underlying health problems with aggressive therapies does not help them live longer. In fact, it can be detrimental and result in additional health issues such as impotence, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems.
Two new genes, FOXM1 and CENPF, linked to more aggressive prostate cancer have been discovered. A new approach in the treatment of these patients is being developed using computer algorithms and biomarkers.
Researchers discovered that FOXM1 and CENPF genes synergistically activate pathways associated with the most aggressive form of prostate cancer. The study identified these genes as a key driver pair in both mice and humans, and found that co-expression correlated with poor disease outcomes.
Men with low-risk prostate cancer who have low testosterone levels may be at increased risk of developing more aggressive disease. Low levels of free testosterone were significantly linked to an increased risk, suggesting a contradictory role for testosterone in prostate cancer progression.
A novel electronic nose technique has been successfully used to discriminate between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia in a proof-of-principle study. The eNose system demonstrated sensitivity and specificity comparable to traditional testing methods, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), with rapid and non-invasive re...
A new computational model simulates bone metastasis of prostate cancer and accurately predicts the impact of potential therapies on cancer cells and normal cells of the bone. The model was validated by comparing its predictions with tumor growth rates in mice, and identified critical players and events in the process of bone metastasis.
A study found that vitamin D deficiency was associated with aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis and tumor progression in both European-American and African-American men. Lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) were linked to higher odds of having aggressive prostate cancer and faster disease progression.