Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
Researchers have found a new method for detecting prostate cancer that analyzes non-tumor tissue, potentially improving diagnosis accuracy. This approach could help reduce the number of repeat biopsies and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that nearly half of elderly men in their seventies underwent PSA screening, while those aged 85 and older screened just as often as those in their early fifties. The high rate of unnecessary screenings may lead to complications such as incontinence and impotence.
A new study found that combining 6 months of hormone therapy with radiotherapy significantly improved survival rates for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The treatment reduced the risk of death from prostate cancer by half and deaths from any cause by a third compared to radiation alone.
A study of over 3,000 patients found robot-assisted prostate surgery to be safe, with a low major complication rate and no disease recurrence after five years for nearly 87 percent of patients. The study analyzed surgical outcomes from 2005 to 2009 and addressed the lack of standardized reporting in previous literature.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital shows rapid adoption of newer, more expensive prostate cancer treatments between 2002-2005 without proof of cost-effectiveness. This trend is reflected in increased Medicare spending on these treatment options, which rose nearly $350 million in 2005.
A new study published in Medical Care found that hospitals with robotic technology are more likely to perform radical prostatectomy surgeries. This is the first study to investigate the impact of surgical robot acquisition on surgery rates, and it concludes that technological adoption leads to increased surgical volume.
A UCLA research team has developed a device using Velcro-like nanoscale technology to efficiently identify and capture circulating tumor cells, or CTCs, in blood samples. The new approach captures a greater number of CTCs than existing methods and could enable early detection and diagnosis of cancer.
Scientists have identified a potential target to treat an aggressive type of prostate cancer, known as SPINK1. A 'blocking' antibody to SPINK1 reduced tumor growth by up to 74% in mice. The study suggests that targeting SPINK1 may be effective in treating SPINK1-positive tumors.
Researchers found that PSA velocity is a poor predictor of prostate cancer and may lead to unnecessary biopsies. The study, which analyzed data from over 5,000 men, suggests that using changes in PSA levels as a basis for recommending biopsy can result in many unnecessary procedures.
A phase 3 study shows that denosumab delays and prevents bone events in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer, improving outcomes compared to zoledronic acid. Denosumab reduces the risk of bone fractures and other complications by inhibiting osteoclast activity.
Research suggests that PSA velocity is a poor predictor of prostate cancer and can lead to unnecessary biopsies. The study found that men with rapid rises in PSA levels did not have cancer more often than those with slower rises, highlighting the need for alternative screening methods.
A French study found that men who start losing hair at age 20 are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared to healthy men. The study also suggested that balding may be a potential risk factor for prostate cancer.
New studies reveal a low initial PSA score of 3.0 ng/ml is an appropriate minimum cut-off level for biopsy targeting those at risk, while proficiency in robotic-assisted prostate surgery requires over 1,600 surgeries to master. Dutasteride may also slow early-stage prostate cancer growth.
The study reveals several new prostate cancer genes, including those disrupting tumor suppressor proteins and rearrangements that create new genes. These findings may provide insights into the disease's development and suggest potential diagnostic markers and new treatments for aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Whole genome sequencing reveals new genes tied to prostate cancer growth, including those disrupting tumor suppressors and heat shock proteins. The study identifies genomic rearrangements that may be driving cancer development and suggests a link between gene activity and DNA rearrangement.
Researchers found that dutasteride is impractical due to high costs and marginal impact on survival and quality of life for at-risk groups. The medication's annual cost of $1,400 outweighs its benefits, making it less effective as a preventive measure.
A four-gene signature has been identified as a reliable predictor of metastatic prostate cancer, outperforming traditional methods in accuracy. The discovery could lead to the development of gene-based tests for determining prostate cancer's potential to spread.
Researchers found a protein called FUS that inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and activates pathways leading to cell suicide. Higher levels of FUS correlate with less aggressive cancer and longer survival.
A research project aims to analyze the genomes of 250 prostate cancer patients under 50 to identify genetic mutations that cause and promote the disease. The goal is to produce a comprehensive map of genetic modifications involved in prostate cancer, which may lead to new treatment approaches and diagnostic methods.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center found that a specific microRNA, miR-34a, suppresses prostate cancer stem cells and metastasis by targeting the surface protein CD44. The study provides a strong rationale for developing new treatment options for prostate cancer.
A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels correlate with prostate cancer progression due to a complex formed between PSA and cell surface receptor GRP78. This binding stimulates pathways promoting tumor growth, cell movement, and blocking apoptosis.
Researchers discovered that SIRT1 inhibits prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a precursor to prostate cancer, by promoting autophagy. The study suggests that activating SIRT1 could block prostate cancer and promote longevity.
A Swedish study found that PSA screening nearly halves prostate cancer mortality after 14 years. However, the screening was associated with a risk of impotence and urinary incontinence, albeit at lower rates than expected.
A national survey found that 76% of people would take a predictive test to learn about their future health risks, with willingness to pay varying by disease type and accuracy. Respondents were more likely to pay for tests related to breast and prostate cancer, and were willing to alter lifestyle choices after receiving positive results.
A new study found that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of overall mortality and prostate cancer-specific mortality in men with prostate cancer. Men who did more vigorous activity had the lowest risk of dying from the disease.
A new UCSF study reveals that older men with high-risk prostate cancer are frequently under-treated, leading to higher mortality rates. The researchers argue that age should not be a barrier to more aggressive treatments that could lead to potential cures.
A new study published in Retrovirology reveals that cell samples used in previous research were contaminated with XMRV, not the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers developed improved methods to detect XMRV and rule out infection by this virus as a cause of the disease.
Researchers found that a slight rise in PSA levels among men taking dutasteride was a stronger indicator of prostate cancer than rising PSA levels in men on a placebo. The study suggests that the drug enhances the ability to detect high-grade cancers, making the PSA test more effective for early diagnosis and treatment.
Scientists from deCODE genetics and academic colleagues report discovering genetic markers that impact individual baseline levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Analyzing four SNPs in tandem with genetic risk factors detected by the deCODE ProstateCancer test yields substantial improvement in PSA screening efficacy.
Researchers identified pomegranate juice components that inhibit the movement of cancer cells and weaken their attraction to a chemical signal. The effects of these components on prostate cancer progression are still controversial and require further testing.
A study found that decreased physician reimbursement for hormone therapy reduced its use in low-risk prostate cancer cases by 40%. However, AST usage remained unchanged in patients with metastatic disease. The decrease is attributed to the real effect of reimbursement change.
A new technology uses metabolic imaging to rapidly assess prostate tumor presence and aggressiveness in real-time. The initial results validate preclinical research linking tumor metabolism speed to growth aggressiveness.
Researchers have identified genetic mutations associated with elevated PSA levels in men diagnosed with prostate cancer, offering potential new biomarkers for disease monitoring. The study's findings suggest that sequencing of selected mitochondrial regions could provide valuable information for prognosis.
Researchers at UCLA found that the protein Bmi-1 plays a crucial role in regulating self-renewal of normal prostate stem cells and transforming healthy cells into prostate cancer cells. Inhibiting Bmi-1 slowed the growth of aggressive prostate cancer in animal models.
Men with longer index fingers are at a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, while those with shorter index fingers are more likely to be diagnosed. The study found that men aged under 60 were 87% less likely to have prostate cancer if their index finger was longer than their ring finger.
Active surveillance outperforms initial treatment for low-risk prostate cancer, providing a higher quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and reducing adverse effects of treatment. The optimal strategy depends on individual patient preferences for surveillance or treatment.
A recent study published in Cancer found that clinical stage does not predict recurrence risk for patients with localized prostate cancer after having their prostate removed. Despite frequent errors in assigning stage, there was no association between clinical stage and prostate cancer recurrence.
A multidisciplinary clinic approach to treating aggressive prostate cancer has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce distress among patients. The study, conducted over 15 years at the Kimmel Cancer Center, found that a team of specialists working together can provide more effective treatment options and better patient outcomes.
A new anti-cancer drug, inecalcitol, has shown encouraging responses in men with hormone-resistant prostate cancer. In a phase II(a) clinical trial, 83% of patients responded to the treatment with a drop in PSA levels of 30% or more within three months.
A new study found a 30-40% higher risk of colorectal cancer among men treated with hormone-based therapy for prostate cancer. The study suggests continued routine preventive care, including colorectal cancer screening, is essential during prostate cancer treatment.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men taking androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer have a 30-40% increased risk of colorectal cancer. The longer treatment duration, the greater the risk.
A study of over 46,500 prostate cancer patients found that long-term androgen deprivation therapy increases the risk of fractures, especially among older men with pre-existing conditions. The therapy was associated with a 20% increase in first fracture risk and a 57% increased risk of second fractures.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found that a soy-based drug can prevent the movement of prostate cancer cells from the prostate to the rest of the body. The experimental treatment, genistein, has shown beneficial effects on human subjects with localized prostate cancer in a recent phase II study.
Researchers found that the protein N-cadherin is upregulated in prostate cancer that does not respond to hormone therapy, making it a potential target for therapy. The study suggests that a monoclonal antibody targeting N-cadherin may be effective in treating this aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a technique to culture normal and cancerous prostate tissue for up to a week, enabling accurate predictions of how living tissues respond to therapy. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of individualized medicines for prostate cancer patients.
A recent study found a decline in unnecessary care for prostate cancer patients not likely to benefit from treatment after Medicare policy changes reduced reimbursement. In contrast, patients with clear benefits from the therapy continued to receive it at the same rate.
Weill Cornell Medical College researchers discovered secondary mutations in prostate cancer cells that make them lethal. This finding could lead to better tests and individualized therapy for deadly prostate cancers.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) minimizes gastrointestinal complications in prostate cancer patients. The study compared IMRT to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and found that men treated with IMRT had fewer serious bowel complications.
A large study found that men with localized prostate cancer who take aspirin with radiation therapy or surgery have a lower risk of dying from the disease. The use of anticoagulants reduced the risk of death by 6 percentage points, from 10% to 4%, at 10 years.
The study found that combining hormone therapy and radiation significantly decreased the risk of death among high-risk prostate cancer patients. The addition of radiation did not increase long-term side effects.
A study found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) minimizes side effects of prostate cancer treatment, particularly gastrointestinal complications. In contrast, urinary side effects did not differ significantly between the two treatments.
Routine prostate cancer screening significantly reduces the risk of metastatic disease within 10 years after treatment. Men diagnosed post-screening had a lower risk of spreading cancer compared to those treated prior to widespread screening.
Studies show that adding radiation to hormone therapy for prostate cancer increases survival chances, while aspirin use reduces risk of cancer death. Prostate cancer screening improves quality of life by catching the disease earlier, and radiation before surgery keeps colorectal cancer from returning.
A new study by University at Buffalo gastroenterologists reveals that men with prostate cancer are more likely to have precancerous colon polyps, including abnormal adenomas and advanced adenomas. The research suggests these patients should prioritize routine colonoscopies to prevent colorectal cancer.
A recent study published in European Urology found that nearly 87% of prostate cancer patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy had no recurrence after five years. The study, led by Dr. Mani Menon, suggests that robotic-assisted surgery is an effective treatment for localized prostate cancer.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have identified a specific vitamin E constituent that can inhibit the growth of prostate tumors. The treatment, tocotrienol (T3), has shown promise in animal trials, with complete inhibition of tumor formation in over 70% of mice implanted with prostate cancer cells.
Recent studies published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found evidence supporting a possible link between XMRV and prostate cancer. However, conflicting reports suggest that XMRV is unlikely associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV infection, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
A Rutgers-led research team has received a $3.3 million NIH grant to develop technology that combines advanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance images to pinpoint cancerous tissue during biopsies. This could lead to more accurate diagnoses and reduced false negatives.
The Phase III trial confirms that abiraterone acetate extends life by four months for patients with advanced prostate cancer, improving median overall survival to 14.8 months. This breakthrough treatment challenges the standard care for men with advanced disease.
Researchers discovered that genetic variations impairing phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A) enzyme activity increase prostate cancer risk, affecting nearly four times more men than those without the variation. The study suggests PDE11A may have a role in genetic screening for predisposition to prostate cancer.