Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
Researchers discovered that selective inhibition of nuclear export protein CRM1 can reactivate tumor suppressor proteins in cells, leading to cancer cell death. This approach shows promise for treating advanced prostate cancers.
Researchers explore genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to racial disparities in prostate cancer risk and progression, focusing on MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers.
Researchers found that geranylgeraniol suppressed human DU145 prostate carcinoma cell viability via cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and apoptosis initiation. The compound also down-regulated HMG CoA reductase, a key enzyme in the mevalonate pathway.
A study published in Physics in Medicine and Biology found that endorectal balloon placement errors can reduce radiation dose coverage, leading to uneven targeting of cancerous areas. Image guidance is crucial to ensure accurate prostate positioning.
A Polish study has developed a new imaging modality using Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound (MRIUS) to guide prostate biopsies, yielding higher sensitivity rates compared to traditional TRUS biopsies. The technology, which fuses MRI with TRUS images, allows for real-time guidance of targeted biopsies in office settings.
A pilot study shows that older patients who practiced Qigong experienced significant declines in fatigue and distress. The mind-body activity, which combines slow movements with deep breathing and meditation, was found to be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for managing prostate cancer-related fatigue.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer who were overweight or obese at diagnosis were more likely to die from the disease. Men with high Gleason scores had the strongest correlation between body mass index and death, suggesting weight loss could prolong survival.
Researchers tracked lethal prostate cancer to determine the clonal origin of a patient's deadly disease. Using tissue samples, they identified the primary tumor site of the lethal clone, revealing that it originated from a small, low-grade foci rather than the larger high-grade region.
Researchers analyzed genealogical and medical records of Utah males, identifying distinct Y chromosomes associated with a significant excess risk of prostate cancer. The study found that nearly 73 out of 1,000 Y chromosome groups had a higher incidence of prostate cancers than expected.
A comprehensive review of Medicare claims found that nearly all the increase in IMRT for prostate cancer was due to self-referral, leading to unnecessary radiation therapy. Self-referring urologists increased IMRT use by 146%, while non-self-referrers remained unchanged.
A new online program developed by Thomas Jefferson University researchers has shown that more patients choose active surveillance over therapy when presented with pros and cons of treatment options. The program helps patients clarify their treatment preferences and discuss options with the clinical team.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Robert Aronowitz highlights the flaws in prostate cancer screening measures, citing a 1950s study that showed invasive procedures were often performed without solid evidence. Millions of men have undergone PSA tests, which can lead to unnecessary treatments and detrimental effects.
A study from University of Texas Medical Branch found that more than 40% of men over 75 undergo PSA screening, despite no medical organization recommending it for this age group. The researchers suggest that decision-making by primary care physicians is a major reason for the continued high PSA rate.
A recent study found that detecting changes in circulating tumor cells (CTC) may be more accurate than tracking prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to predict treatment outcomes in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. The study showed a favorable change in CTC detection occurred in over half of patients during chemoth...
A study by Yale researchers found that Medicare spent $447 million annually on PSA-based screenings for prostate cancer, with most of it going to men over 75. The cost variation was mainly due to follow-up tests, not the use of the PSA itself.
Researchers estimate that routine PSA testing can lead to increased impotence and incontinence cases, as well as additional prostate cancer diagnoses. However, the difference in death rates between screened and unscreened men is relatively small, with only 0.07 more deaths attributed to screening.
Researchers found that men with variable telomere length in cancer cells and shorter telomeres in stromal cells were more likely to develop metastatic disease and die sooner from their prostate cancer. This combination could be a marker for prostate cancer prognosis.
Researchers found that unstable chromosomes with breaks at common fragile sites are associated with a less favorable response to radiation therapy and surgery in prostate cancer patients. These abnormalities are often linked to DNA instability, which is characteristic of cancer cells.
Cancer researchers at UC San Diego isolated and characterized early-stage prostate cancer cells, which may drive recurrent disease. The study suggests that these cells could be targeted for new treatments, potentially reducing cancer progression.
A shorter course of androgen suppression therapy prior to radiation therapy yields favorable outcomes and fewer adverse effects for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients. The study confirmed a disease-specific-survival rate of 95 percent when patients received fewer weeks of neoadjuvant total androgen suppression.
A secondary analysis of the historic RTOG 9202 prostate cancer trial found no additional benefits with long-term hormonal therapy compared to short-term therapy in intermediate-risk patients. The study suggests that administering less treatment can reduce side effects and healthcare costs without compromising survival rates.
A new study by Moffitt Cancer Center aims to investigate alternative screening methods and chemoprevention interventions for African-American and black men with prostate cancer. Researchers are also exploring the safety and effectiveness of isoflavones, a botanical agent, in reducing prostate cancer risk in this high-risk population.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that proteins delivering leucine to prostate cancer cells are therapeutic targets. Inhibition of these proteins inhibits nutrient signaling pathways and over 100 metastasis-related genes, leading to cell cycle inhibition and reduced tumor growth.
The National Cancer Institute has awarded a five-year, $11.3 million competitive grant renewal to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to lead the Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer SPORE consortium. The consortium aims to unravel molecular mechanisms and develop precision-medicine approaches for prostate cancer treatment.
A pilot study found that comprehensive lifestyle changes increased telomere length by an average of 10%, while control group telomeres decreased by 3%. The study suggests that such lifestyle changes may significantly reduce the risk of diseases and premature mortality.
The Wistar Institute has received a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Defense to prepare its potential new prostate cancer drug Gamitrinib for trial in humans. The three-year grant will cover the costs of developing the data necessary to allow Gamitrinib's use in the clinic.
A new three-gene biomarker can accurately predict which low-risk prostate cancers will become aggressive, helping doctors determine whether men need active surveillance or invasive treatment. The test has shown promising results in a retrospective study of 43 patients, and further clinical trials are planned.
A recent study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has discovered a link between mutations in the BTNL2 gene and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The study found that rare variants of this gene are associated with both hereditary and sporadic cases of prostate cancer.
A genetic mutation in the androgen-synthesizing enzyme 3βHSD1 enables tumors to produce their own supply of androgens, leading to the growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer. This discovery could lead to the development of biomarkers and targeted therapies for personalized medicine.
Researchers found a 59% reduced risk of prostate cancer recurrence and/or progression in men who consumed four or more cups of coffee per day. The study suggests that bioactive compounds in coffee may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the results.
A new GE technology uses pyruvate levels to detect prostate tumors in real time, providing a safe and non-invasive way to assess cancer progression. The technology has shown promising results in a clinical study of 31 patients with prostate cancer.
A study found that prostate cancer aggressiveness is established at tumor formation and does not change over time. The proportion of patients diagnosed with advanced-stage cancers decreased by more than six-fold after widespread PSA screening, while high Gleason grade cancers remained stable.
A collaborative study identifies PRNCR1 and PCGEM1 as long non-coding RNAs that activate androgen receptors, leading to cancer growth and resistance to treatment. The study provides a new target for therapies and offers hope for developing more effective treatments for aggressive prostate cancer.
A long-term study confirms that finasteride reduces the risk of prostate cancer by 43% in low-grade tumors and by 30% overall. This means thousands of men can avoid unnecessary treatments and burden on society.
A new therapeutic approach to treating prostate cancer has been identified through a study on the FoxM1 protein. Depletion of FoxM1 in prostate epithelial cells inhibits tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and new blood vessel formation.
Researchers identified Skp2 inhibitor that blocks malignancy-promoting effects, shrinks tumors in preclinical studies. The compound suppresses prostate cancer stem cells, which play a role in cancer initiation and progression.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have identified a novel mechanism of action for SMIP004, which specifically kills prostate cancer cells by interfering with mitochondrial function. The compound's effects were found to be particularly promising for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A study found that both web-based and print-based decision aids significantly improved prostate cancer knowledge and reduced decisional conflict among patients. The tools offered flexibility for patients and providers, with increased satisfaction reported among those using print decision aids up to 13 months after treatment.
A Swedish data-sharing campaign led to a significant decrease in unnecessary medical tests for low-risk prostate cancer patients. The study suggests that curtailing unneeded medical tests is achievable and offers insights into the importance of implementing guidelines and providing feedback to practitioners.
A study of over 10,000 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer found that use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was associated with a significantly increased risk of acute kidney injury. The association remained consistently elevated across different types of ADTs, particularly in the first year of treatment.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have found that nerves play a critical role in both the development and spread of prostate tumors. The study suggests that targeting the autonomic nervous system may lead to novel therapies for preventing and treating prostate cancer.
A large prospective study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center scientists confirms the link between high blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and an increased risk of prostate cancer. High-grade prostate cancer tumors are more likely to be fatal, and the study found a 71% higher risk for high-grade prostate cancer.
A study published in JAMA found that daily soy protein supplementation for two years did not reduce or delay the development of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. In fact, the supplement may even accelerate the onset of recurrence by a few weeks.
Researchers found that most men report little shared decision making in PSA screening, with only 8% reporting full shared decision making. Coupling physician education with patient activation improves rates of shared decision making and influences physicians' attitudes about screening.
A Johns Hopkins study of over 1,800 men aged 52-62 suggests that African-Americans with very-low-risk prostate cancers are more likely to have aggressive disease. The study found a higher rate of Gleason score upgrading and organ-confined cancers among black men, highlighting the need for race-specific surveillance entry criteria.
Use of advanced treatment technologies like IMRT and robotic prostatectomy has increased among men with low-risk disease, despite clinical guidelines recommending local treatment for those with a low life expectancy. The authors suggest that aggressive direct-to-consumer marketing and incentives may promote the use of these treatments.
Researchers have identified genetic variants that can predict aggressive prostate cancers, enabling better treatment options for patients. The study's findings suggest a novel relationship between angiogenesis genes and prostate cancer aggressiveness.
A new study by The Endocrine Society finds that early exposure to BPA significantly increases the risk of both prostate cancer and a precancerous condition known as prostate epithelial neoplasia. The study used human prostate stem cells from organ donors to grow prostate tissue in a mouse model.
A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researcher Gail Prins found that early exposure to BPA in the developing prostate increases the risk of later prostate cancer. Prostate stem cells become sensitized to estrogen through BPA exposure, making them more susceptible to cancer development.
A new drug called pyrvinium pamoate inhibits aggressive prostate cancer resistant to standard drugs by binding to a different site on the AR and inhibiting its activity without preventing androgen binding. This unique mechanism of action has the potential to treat cancers resistant to currently approved therapies.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that active surveillance and watchful waiting are safe alternatives to initial treatment for men with low-risk prostate cancers. These strategies can lead to better quality of life and reduced healthcare costs, with some patients experiencing up to 13 months additional quality-a...
Researchers discovered a molecular switch, Steroidogenic Factor 1, that stimulates steroid hormone production and cell multiplication in aggressive prostate cancers. This factor increases tumor growth and resistance to hormone treatment.
Replacing carbohydrates with vegetable fat may be associated with a lower risk of death in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study found that men who consumed more vegetable fat had a lower risk of lethal prostate cancer and all-cause mortality.
A new biodegradable implant has shown potential to significantly reduce rectal injury in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The BioProtect Balloon Implant increased the space between the prostate and rectum, reducing radiation exposure by an average of 30%.
A UC San Francisco-led study found that men with non-metastatic prostate cancer who consumed more healthy vegetable fats had a lower risk of developing lethal prostate cancer and dying from other causes. Replacing 10% of daily calories with these fats was associated with a 29% lower risk of lethal prostate cancer.
A new hybrid molecular imaging system combines positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance to detect recurrent prostate cancer. The study reveals that PET/MR finds more areas of metastases than PET/CT, making it a viable alternative for restaging patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Researchers have developed a novel imaging agent, Tc-99m MIP-1404, which binds to PSMA enzyme in prostate cancer cells, enabling detection of metastases. The agent shows promise in detecting lesions more accurately than standard bone imaging.
Scientists use antigen-decorated nanoparticles to prevent immune over-reaction in mice, while also developing a potential gene therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA. Meanwhile, researchers discover a new target for castration-resistant prostate cancer by blocking mutant androgen receptors.
Researchers at Monash University have identified a sub-group of cells that can contribute to prostate cancer recurrence, opening up new treatment options. These previously unidentified cells are potential targets for future therapies and may be targeted before the cancer reaches an incurable stage.
Researchers developed a novel class of peptidomimetic drugs that interrupt androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer cells, preventing growth. The agents show promise as a potential therapeutic approach for men with advanced disease.