Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
A new study found differences in urinary, bowel, and sexual function after short-term follow-up, but those differences were no longer significant 15 years after initial treatment. Men who underwent prostatectomy were more likely to experience urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
A recent study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that regular consumption of deep-fried foods like French fries and doughnuts is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. The study suggests that frequent and regular consumption of these foods may be linked to more aggressive forms of the disease.
A new study by Wake Forest Baptist researchers found that emotional stress can reduce the effectiveness of prostate cancer therapies and accelerate tumor growth. Stress-induced activation of a cell signaling pathway may lead to a vicious cycle of stress and cancer progression.
Researchers found that stress accelerates prostate cancer development in mice, while a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene disrupts a cellular complex essential for hearing. Combining green tea extract with vardenafil enhances anti-cancer effects in a mouse model of multiple myeloma.
A recent study found that stress can accelerate prostate cancer development in mice, with adrenaline blocking cancer cell death. Conversely, drugs that inhibited adrenaline signaling ablated the effect of stress on prostate cancer. This suggests that beta-blockers could enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies.
A new study finds that prostate cancer stigma is a significant barrier to diagnosis and treatment in Ghana, with many men diagnosed at late stages and opting out of therapy. The researchers aim to develop tailored treatment regimens and increase PSA screening rates to improve health outcomes.
Researchers discovered stable epigenetic marks across all metastatic tumors in each patient, defying the idea that these marks vary greatly within individuals. These consistent methylation changes appear to represent driver changes critical to cancer development and could be targets for treatment.
A two-year observational follow-up of the REDUCE trial found that dutasteride treatment was associated with a lower incidence of new prostate cancers. The study, published in The Journal of Urology, showed that men taking dutasteride had fewer prostate cancer diagnoses compared to those receiving a placebo.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that annual percent changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are more accurate for detecting aggressive prostate cancer than single measurements. The study analyzed nearly 220,000 men and found a moderate increase in PSA levels with age.
A high-fiber diet, rich in inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), can control prostate cancer progression by inhibiting tumor growth and slowing glucose metabolism. Researchers found that IP6 reduced tumor volumes and slowed glucose metabolism in prostate cancer models.
A comprehensive study analyzed 232 papers on prostate cancer treatments and found that surgery is the most cost-effective option, saving lives at a lower cost than radiation therapy. The analysis also showed that treatment plans for localized prostate cancer vary dramatically across different centers.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that a small percentage of men treated for prostate cancer reported a perceived shortening of their penis, leading to regrets about treatment choice. The complaint was more common in men treated with radical prostatectomy or male hormone-blocking drugs combined with radiation therapy.
Thomas Jefferson University researchers have identified new pathways that drive aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Elevated levels of Cyclin D1b function as a novel biomarker for lethal metastatic disease in prostate cancer patients.
Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson developed diagnostic and prognostic genetic tests to better predict prostate cancer survival outcomes. The tests distinguish clinically-relevant cancers from normal prostate tissue in men with elevated PSA levels, offering a superior alternative to existing gene tests and the Gleason...
A preclinical study found that androgen deprivation therapies may have adverse effects on prostate cancer growth and survival in men with precancerous conditions. The study's results suggest that reducing testosterone levels may encourage indolent tumors to become more aggressive as men age.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified an enzyme specifically linked to aggressive prostate cancer, which promotes the metastatic spread of the disease. A compound that inhibits this enzyme's ability has been developed and shows promise for future clinical applications.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no significant difference in toxicity between proton radiotherapy (PRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) among Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer at 12 months post-treatment. Despite its widespread use, PRT's benefits and harms remain unknown.
A new Australian study finds that large regions of the genome are epigenetically activated in prostate cancer, including genes like PSA and PCA3. The study also identifies 'epigenetic master controllers' that can switch on or off large regions of DNA, with significant implications for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists identify EZH2 as a key player in prostate cancers that no longer respond to hormone-blocking treatments. The researchers suggest that drugs targeting EZH2's unexpected function could be an effective new treatment strategy for these aggressive cancers.
A new imaging-guided targeted biopsy method using MRI and ultrasound fusion has been shown to detect prostate cancer more accurately than traditional blind biopsies. The technique led to a high rate of cancer detection and identification of aggressive tumors, improving patient outcomes.
A new targeted prostate biopsy technique using magnetic resonance ultrasound fusion has been shown to improve diagnosis of prostate cancer and aid in selecting patients for active surveillance. The study found that the biopsies identified 90 out of 171 men with prostate cancer, highlighting its potential as a more accurate and efficien...
A new drug demonstrated dramatic effects on prostate cancer that had spread to the bone, with two-thirds of patients showing improvements on their bone scans. Additionally, 67% of patients with bone pain reported improved pain control after treatment with cabozantinib.
The growing US population and increased life expectancy necessitate new approaches to prostate cancer treatment. Researchers are exploring targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision radiation targeting to improve treatment outcomes for older patients.
Researchers found that high levels of COUP-TFII can overcome a natural barrier to prostate cancer progression, allowing tumor cells to grow and spread throughout the body. The study suggests that COUP-TFII is an important 'second hit' for the progression of prostate cancer and metastasis.
A study of almost 1,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer found that active surveillance can reduce or avoid side effects such as incontinence and impotence. Many low-risk tumours are slow-growing and may never develop symptoms during a lifetime.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a positive feedback loop between Notch and TGF beta proteins that maintains basal cell population in the prostate. Disrupting this loop may contribute to prostate cancer initiation.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that only 4.8% of web sites describing prostate cancer were written below a high school reading level, highlighting the need for easier-to-read patient education materials.
Researchers have identified a new molecular marker, β2-syntrophin, which can help differentiate between low-risk and high-risk types of prostate cancer. This breakthrough discovery could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Men treated with proton therapy for prostate cancer reported excellent urinary and bowel function, similar to healthy controls. However, sexual function was affected by hormone therapy and other factors, with significant differences noted between groups.
Researchers developed a noninvasive assay to monitor treatment response in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The assay measures androgen receptor signaling pathway activity in circulating tumor cells, allowing for early detection of resistance to treatment.
A new study found that men with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and a high body mass index are more likely to die from prostate cancer. Researchers also discovered that combining these metabolic factors increases the risk of death, suggesting that lifestyle changes may help prevent this.
A long-term study found that radiotherapy after surgery significantly improves biochemical progression-free survival and local control for high-risk prostate cancer patients. However, its effects on clinical progression-free survival and overall survival are less clear.
Researchers found that high levels of activated Stat5 protein in prostate cancer after surgery are associated with increased risk of recurrence and death. The study suggests Stat5 could serve as a biomarker to help guide patients and physicians for future treatment.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that the characteristic shape of a man's urine stream can be used to diagnose urinary problems, including those associated with prostate enlargement. The study found a strong correlation between the shape of the urine flow pattern and the maximum urine flow rate.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new gold nanoparticle treatment for prostate cancer that uses radioactive gold nanoparticles. The treatment has shown to be safe and effective in dogs, which are the only other mammal to naturally contract aggressive prostate cancer, making it a promising lead for human trials.
Research by Centre INRS–Institut Armand-Frappier and Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal found a possible association between night work and increased risk of prostate, colon, lung, bladder, rectal, and pancreatic cancer. Exposure to light at night can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
A new study reveals that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, can inhibit the formation of metastases in prostate cancer. Curcumin reduces inflammation and decreases the expression of proteins that promote metastasis, resulting in a decline in tumor cell growth.
A six-gene signature has been identified that can predict survival in men with aggressive prostate cancer. The test uses blood samples and shows promise for determining the course of action for patients, clinical trial eligibility, and targeted studies.
Researchers discovered a new function of PARP-1 that regulates both DNA damage repair and androgen receptor activity, suggesting that inhibiting this enzyme could slow prostate cancer growth. This finding provides a new approach to treating advanced prostate cancer, which currently has limited treatment options.
Researchers create precision blood test that uses gene patterns in blood cells to identify advanced-stage prostate cancer patients with worst prognosis. The test can be used to select those in need of immediate treatment.
Researchers found that common polymorphisms in the T2R38 gene were correlated with the incidence of bacterial sinus infections, demonstrating a genetic link to individual differences in respiratory infection susceptibility. In companion pieces, studies on PSD-95 expression and progranulin deficiency shed light on potential therapeutic ...
Researchers identified genetic signatures that can predict the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer, with patients having the signature living an average of 9.2 months compared to 21.6 months without the signature. These findings hold promise for improving patient outcomes and enabling better clinical trials.
Researchers have designed a blood test that can detect aggressive prostate cancers by analyzing the pattern of gene activity in blood cells. The test, which reads genetic changes like a barcode, can accurately identify patients with advanced prostate cancers and predict their survival time.
Emanuel Hamelburg, a Boston-area prostate cancer survivor, has been recognized for his dedication to cancer awareness and advocacy. He was awarded the Survivor Circle Award by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in 2012.
Prostate cancer cases expected to reach nearly 242,000 diagnoses in 2012. New guidelines introduce active surveillance as a viable alternative to immediate treatment for low-risk tumors.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that contrast-enhanced ultrasound detected higher-grade prostate cancers in 55% of patients, compared to 17% with conventional biopsy methods. The technique uses microbubbles to measure changes in blood flow and requires fewer needle biopsies.
A study has identified 12 genetic markers associated with erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients treated with radiation. The findings may help clinicians predict complications and develop therapies to alleviate side effects.
Research finds that obesity promotes prostate cancer growth by changing gene expression in fat surrounding the prostate, increasing risk of aggressive disease. The study suggests a personalized approach to lifestyle and therapeutic strategies for overweight men with prostate cancer.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that men with high levels of 'cancer-specific anxiety' after prostate cancer surgery are more likely to experience low sexual satisfaction and depression. Counseling may be beneficial in addressing these concerns and improving quality of life for these patients.
A new research model estimates that men with low-risk prostate cancer who choose active surveillance may live 6.4 years without treatment, while those who undergo immediate radical prostatectomy may gain an average of 1.8 months of additional life.
A new study in The Journal of Urology presents promising results on the use of MRI to assess eligibility for active surveillance in men with clinically low risk prostate cancer. The findings suggest that clear tumor visualization on MRI is predictive of disease status upgrades on confirmatory biopsy, highlighting the potential of MRI t...
A recent study has confirmed that an association between XMRV and prostate cancer was due to laboratory contamination. The researchers found that the virus was introduced into prostate tissue samples through contact with a different cell line, which had been contaminated with XMRV in the 1990s.
A phase 3 trial confirms abiraterone acetate's efficacy in extending average survival time to 15.8 months for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. The treatment, which blocks testosterone production, also has a good safety profile.
Hartzband and Groopman argue that expert recommendations often ignore vital dimensions of life and are based on flawed calculations. They propose a new approach for individual patients to weigh risk and benefit, and emphasize the importance of nuanced judgment in medical decisions.
Researchers found that fusion-negative prostate cancers have different DNA methylation patterns than healthy cells, with increased EZH2 enzyme activity. This discovery may lead to more specific treatments and improved diagnosis for prostate cancer patients.
Researchers will investigate how sulforaphane in broccoli affects prostate tissue gene expression and metabolism in men at risk of developing prostate cancer. The study aims to provide evidence that diets rich in cruciferous vegetables or sulforaphane can reduce the likelihood of metastatic cancer.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found an association between Parkinson disease and an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma in patients with PD and their relatives. The research used a Utah genealogic database and a statewide cancer registry to examine the relationship between the two diseases.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention establishes the association of IL-16 with prostate cancer in men of both African and European descent. Researchers found new polymorphisms in the gene unique to African Americans that confer risk, providing a potential biomarker for prostate cancer.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified a biological mechanism connecting trichomoniasis, a curable sexually transmitted disease, to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer in men. The study reveals that the parasite activates a series of proteins, with one protein acting as a key regulator in this process.
A multicenter study found that taking aspirin is associated with a lower risk of death from prostate cancer, especially in high-risk disease. The study analyzed data from almost 6,000 men with prostate cancer treated with surgery or radiotherapy, and the results showed a significant reduction in mortality rates and cancer recurrence.