Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
A novel small molecule has been developed to block the function of androgen receptors, which promote prostate cancer growth. The compound prevents cancer cells from recruiting protein partners and blocks their growth, showing promise for treating prostate cancer.
A recent study published in Cancer found that African American men with prostate cancer face longer treatment delays than their Caucasian counterparts. The analysis of SEER-Medicare registry data revealed an average delay of 7 days for African American patients, compared to 4 days for Caucasians. Additionally, African Americans were mo...
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.
Researchers used next-generation sequencing to analyze DNA alterations in adjacent Gleason patterns of the same tumor. The study found that some aggressive prostate cancers have identical genetic markers, enabling better prediction of cancer progression and management.
Researchers have created a low-cost and accurate method for detecting prostate cancer in urine, potentially leading to early diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes. The technology uses nanoscale protein receptors to capture cancer molecule signals, offering a promising alternative to existing tests that can be costly and invasive.
Studies of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients reveal that older, sicker men are unlikely to benefit from aggressive therapy. Researchers found that those aged 61-74 and over 75 with multiple health issues face high risks of mortality from non-prostate causes, suggesting a shift towards more conservative treatment approaches.
A 14-year study found older men with multiple health issues were at higher risk of dying from other causes, making watchful waiting a viable option for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) may not be more effective than conformal radiation therapy (CRT) after prostatectomy. The study compared outcomes of 457 IMRT and 557 CRT patients treated between 2002 and 2007, showing no significant difference in long-term side ...
A new study found that bone mineral density testing is not routine among men receiving androgen deprivation therapy, but those with primary care physicians are more likely to receive the test. This highlights the importance of primary care physicians in bone care for men with prostate cancer.
A new UCI study found that assessing comorbidities can help target prostate cancer patients who may not benefit from a biopsy, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures. The study identified 20% of men as high-risk due to existing health conditions, suggesting alternative care options.
A new analysis found a significant link between Agent Orange exposure and high-grade prostate cancer among US Veterans. Exposure to the herbicide was associated with a 52% increase in overall risk of prostate cancer detection by biopsy, as well as a 75% increase in risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
Researchers found that combining tomato and soy foods reduced prostate cancer incidence by 55% compared to eating either food alone. The study suggested that consuming three to four servings of tomato products per week and one to two servings of soy foods daily could help protect against prostate cancer.
A new genomic test helps identify low-risk men suitable for active surveillance, sparing them from unnecessary treatment. The test provides statistically significant and clinically meaningful prognostic information, aiding in determining which men are best suited for active surveillance.
The new guideline provides detailed direction on treatment options for prostate cancer patients, including adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy recommendations. It emphasizes the importance of informed consent and patient education on potential side effects and benefits of radiation therapy.
A study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that amplification of the Stat5 gene in prostate cancer cells leads to excess oncogenic protein, driving cancer spread. Gene amplification and protein levels increased with metastasis and castration therapy resistance.
A recent study by Henry Ford Health reveals that prostate cancer patients with metastasis are more likely to die after weekend emergency department visits compared to weekdays. The study found that these patients have a 23% increased likelihood of death after weekend visits, despite being older and healthier on average.
A new study reveals that surgical volume significantly affects the outcome of procedures, especially for robotic-assisted surgeries. High-volume hospitals demonstrated superior results in terms of complication rates and blood transfusions, while low-volume centers struggled with inferior outcomes.
Researchers found that men with prostate cancer who take statin drugs are significantly less likely to die from their cancer. The study, led by Janet L. Stanford, Ph.D., followed over 1,000 Seattle-area prostate cancer patients for almost eight years and found a 5% mortality rate among statin users versus 1% for nonusers.
A new study reveals that prostate cancer develops through periodic bursts of genetic mutations, causing complex DNA reshuffling. This process, dubbed 'punctuated cancer evolution,' may lead to more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment in the future.
A new study from Northwestern University suggests that personalized PSA testing can help reduce the number of men who undergo unnecessary biopsies. Genetic correction of PSA levels using genetic variants has been shown to change the outcome for 17 men, and could potentially prevent 15-20% of prostate biopsies annually.
Researchers found obese men were more likely to have precancerous lesions detected in their benign prostate biopsies compared to non-obese men. Obesity was also associated with a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer after an initial benign biopsy, particularly in the first few years after.
Research found that specific DNA regions contribute to prostate cancer development and early death, with patients having two of these changes at high risk. The study identifies key genes PTEN and MYC as linked to prostate cancer lethality.
Multispectral photoacoustic imaging distinguishes between benign and malignant prostate tissue with a high degree of accuracy. The new technique, which combines laser optics and ultrasound imaging technologies, predicts 25 out of 26 benign tissues and 13 out of 16 malignant tissues correctly.
A new study suggests that nearly half of all deaths from prostate cancer can be predicted before age 50, based on PSA levels. Focusing testing on men at highest risk may improve the benefits and harms of screening.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a genetic signature associated with the risk of tumor recurrence or spread in men surgically treated for prostate cancer. The 32-gene index proved to be the most accurate method, predicting actual incidence of tumor recurrence (47%) and metastasis (14%) among high-risk patients.
A new study reveals that correcting PSA levels for genetic variants can significantly reduce unnecessary biopsies and false complacency. By tailoring screening levels to an individual's genetic makeup, the risk of prostate cancer can be more accurately assessed. This approach has the potential to prevent up to 15% to 20% of biopsies.
Researchers identified BRCA2 gene mutation as first genetic factor for prostate cancer prognosis, associated with advanced disease and higher mortality rates. The study suggests a need for new treatment strategies for patients carrying these mutations.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus as a potential treatment for prostate cancer. The virus efficiently kills prostate cancer cells, including those resistant to hormone treatments and chemotherapy, while sparing normal human cells.
The American College of Physicians suggests that men between 50-69 discuss potential benefits and harms of the PSA test before screening. The risks include problems interpreting test results, biopsy complications, and treatment side effects. ACP recommends against testing in men younger than 50 or older than 69 with low life expectancy.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases new recommendations for prostate cancer screening, focusing on shared decision-making and clear patient preference. Men between 50-69 years old should discuss the benefits and harms of PSA testing with their doctor before undergoing screening. The ACP also recommends against screening f...
Researchers have developed a non-invasive test for metastatic prostate cancer using whole-genome analysis of plasma DNA, which identifies abnormal copy numbers of specific sequences. This breakthrough could aid personalized therapy and target treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine recommends continuous hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer, extending lives by months to years. Continuous therapy offers a better alternative to intermittent therapy with fewer side effects.
A new study of 1,535 patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer found that taking breaks from hormone-blocking treatments may not be as effective as continuous treatment. The study suggests that patients should be counseled about the potential risks of intermittent therapy if they wish to try it.
A CU Cancer Center study reveals that the transcription factor SPDEF regulates E-Cadherin production, inhibiting prostate cancer metastasis. The researchers found that increasing or decreasing SPDEF levels directly affects E-Cadherin expression, making it a crucial factor in preventing cancer spread.
A new study links Lynch syndrome to a higher lifetime risk of prostate cancer and earlier age of onset, suggesting regular screening for men with the condition. The research estimates that men with Lynch syndrome have a 30% lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to 18% in the general population.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered that the enzyme PKCζ acts as a tumor suppressor in both mice and humans, controlling cell growth and metastasis. Restoring PKCζ levels may provide a novel therapeutic target for treating prostate cancer.
Researchers found that SPOP mutations allow SRC-3 to proliferate and spread prostate cancer cells. The loss of SPOP's tumor-suppressing function enables SRC-3's cancer-promoting effects, making it an important target for prostate cancer treatment.
Scientists at the University of York have discovered a cancer-inducing DNA realignment in human prostate cancer stem cells that can lead to more effective therapies targeting the root cause of the disease. This breakthrough has challenged previous understanding of solid cancers and offers new opportunities for targeted treatments.
Genetic factors such as BRCA2 and HOXB13 play a crucial role in predicting high-risk prostate disease. Lifestyle factors including diet, exercise and geographic origin are also risk factors for PCa.
A study found that genetic testing can help identify BPH patients at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms were linked to PCa risk, with one marker showing a strong association.
A study by Sanford-Burnham researchers found that Siah2 keeps androgen receptors constantly active in prostate cancer cells, enabling them to survive treatment. Inhibiting Siah2 may provide a new method for re-sensitizing castration-resistant prostate tumors to hormone therapy.
A Dutch study found that abiraterone can block androgen receptor activation directly, in addition to inhibiting CYP17A1 activity. This suggests a new mechanism of action for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A large observational study conducted by a group of researchers in Sweden and the Netherlands suggests that surgery offers better survival benefits than radiotherapy for men with localized prostate cancer, especially in younger age groups and those with fewer comorbidities. The study found that radical treatment, preferably surgery, is...
A joint Swedish-UK study found that men who participated in biennial PSA-based screening had lower risks of being diagnosed with and dying from prostate cancer for up to 9 years. After 9 years, the rates in both groups converged, but mortality was significantly lower in the screening group initially.
Researchers have developed a new focal laser ablation treatment that uses precisely targeted heat to burn away cancerous cells in the prostate. The approach has shown promising safety results and can be performed without significant side effects.
A UCLA study found that financial hardship, lack of doctor continuity and care coordination, and communication issues significantly hinder access to prostate cancer care among Latino men. The study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to improve access, increase health literacy, and enhance care coordination.
Two novel radiolabeled small molecules targeting PSMA have excellent potential for diagnosing and staging prostate cancer. The imaging agents showed a high sensitivity of lesion detection in bone, soft tissue, and the prostate gland.
A study published in the Journal of Urology analyzed 25 years of data after radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients and found that follow-up evaluations are necessary for 15 years after treatment. The study also confirmed using radiation therapy results in comparable disease-free survival rates to radical prostatectomy.
A modified Newcastle disease virus has been developed to target prostate cancer cells without harming normal cells, offering a new treatment option for hormone-refractory patients. This oncolytic virus uses a retargeted design to minimize off-target losses and reduce the amount of virus needed for treatment.
A natural product called genistein-combined polysaccharide (GCP) may help patients with metastatic prostate cancer live longer by blocking a key mechanism used by prostate cancer cells to survive. GCP is expected to be effective in treating patients with low response to androgen-deprivation therapy.
A recent study found that radical prostatectomy (RP) lowers prostate cancer deaths in a subgroup of patients with a significant absolute mortality difference. However, another trial showed non-statistically significant results, raising questions about the impact of more frequent screening detection.
Research from the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights new insights on high-risk prostate cancer prevalence and treatment. Studies show that African-American men and older men of any race are more likely to have aggressive prostate cancer, while surveillance for small kidney tumors is a safe alternative to surgery for elderl...
Early-onset prostate cancer is linked to high levels of androgen receptor activity in young patients, leading to gene rearrangements that promote cancer. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies for the disease.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men's decisions to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening are influenced by how information is presented. The researchers discovered that men who were given a balance sheet with relevant features of PSA screening were more likely to choose the screening option, while tho...
Early-onset prostate cancers have distinct genetic alterations that link genes normally independent to cancer-causing fusion genes. Androgen hormone receptors are also higher in younger patients, suggesting a potential trigger for the disease.
A recent study has found that exercise is linked with reduced prostate cancer risk in Caucasian men, but no such benefit is seen among African-American men. Furthermore, exercise also appears to lower the risk of high-grade prostate cancer in Caucasians compared to sedentary individuals.
The Northwell Health system has received a federal grant to train Hampton University students on the racial disparities in prostate cancer treatments. The program aims to improve treatment outcomes for African American men, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
A previously poorly investigated signalling pathway is crucial for prostate cancer cell proliferation, involving the production of cAMP at multiple locations in the cell. Inhibiting the soluble adenylyl cyclase enzyme suppresses cancer cell growth, suggesting a promising new therapeutic approach.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that exercising regularly earlier in life can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 adults and found a strong association between midlife fitness levels and reduced risk of all-cause dementia. Additio...
A new radiation therapy method using volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has been shown to significantly reduce prostate cancer treatment time by approximately 14%. The study found that VMAT patients had shorter average room times, with some patients experiencing similar treatment times as those using gold-marker tracking.