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The cancer biomarker conundrum: Too many false discoveries

Despite advancements in cancer biomarker research, many initial breakthroughs fail to translate to clinical success due to issues with study design and interpretation. Seven biomarkers initially hailed as promising have been reevaluated, highlighting problems with pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical study design.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 12, 2010

Surgery better than radiation, hormone treatments for some prostate cancer, study shows

A new study led by researchers at UCSF found that surgery is more effective than radiation and hormone therapies for men with high-risk prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 7,538 men with localized disease and found a significant difference in survival rates between surgical removal of the prostate and other treatment options.

Purdue-IU team uncovers potential prostate cancer marker

A Purdue University-led team has found a molecular compound that appears to be useful in identifying cancerous and precancerous tissue in the prostate. The compound, cholesterol sulfate, is absent in healthy prostate tissue but present in prostate cancer tumors, making it a potential marker for the disease.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2010

UCLA scientists for the first time identify a cell-of-origin for human prostate cancer

Researchers identified basal cells from benign prostate tissue as a new cell-of-origin for human prostate cancer. This discovery could lead to better predictive and diagnostic tools, as well as the development of targeted treatments. The study provides a novel model system for understanding prostate cancer development and progression.

Most men with low-risk prostate cancer receive aggressive treatment

A study found that men with low-risk prostate cancer often receive aggressive treatment, including surgery or radiation, even if their PSA levels are low. The researchers suggest that lowering the biopsy threshold for men with PSA levels below 4 nanograms per milliliter could lead to an increase in unnecessary treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010

Surveillance may be suitable treatment option for patients with low-risk prostate cancer

A new study found that active surveillance is a suitable treatment option for patients with low-risk prostate cancer, resulting in lower mortality rates compared to radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. After a median follow-up of 8.2 years, the surveillance group had a higher percentage of deaths from competing causes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 18, 2010

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell physician-scientists present at 2010 American Urological Meeting

Physician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center present several studies at the 2010 American Urological Meeting, including a potential breakthrough in using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to improve PSA test accuracy for prostate cancer diagnosis. Additionally, they present results on robotic surgery ...