Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
A study found that walnuts reduced the size and growth rate of prostate cancer in test animals by 50% and 30% respectively. The scientists attributed this effect to walnuts' ability to lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and endothelin, a substance linked to inflammation.
A new study published in Cancer suggests that infertile men are 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer than fertile men. The research found no association between the number of children a man has and his risk for prostate cancer, but rather focused on male fertility as a potential risk factor.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that consuming walnuts can significantly slow prostate cancer growth in mice. The walnut diet resulted in smaller tumors and reduced levels of the protein IGF-1, which is associated with prostate cancer.
Researchers have discovered that pre-treating mice with noscapine before injecting them with prostate cancer cells resulted in tumor growth rates being two-thirds smaller and lung metastasis rates being 80% less. The study suggests that noscapine may offer significant benefits in the management of prostate cancer as a preventive measure.
Magnetic resonance-guided focal therapy offers a new treatment choice for patients with recurrent prostate cancer, providing an alternative to radiation therapy and hormone manipulation. The procedure involves tailored treatment modality and duration based on lesion size and location, preserving sexual and urinary function.
A study found that increasing the radiation dose for prostate cancer treatment did not lead to increased long-term side effects. Patients reported minimal distress from chronic symptoms, with many considering their quality of life 'normal' despite experiencing symptoms. The results suggest that patients may adapt to treatment and exper...
Researchers at Van Andel Institute developed a new model to study prostate cancer, finding that normal secretory cells depend on E-cadherin binding for survival, unlike cancer cells which rely on androgen. This discovery could lead to therapies targeting tumor cells without harming normal cells.
African-American men have a higher incidence and death rate from prostate cancer, with the highest mortality rate of any racial or ethnic group. A new study found an inheritable genetic defect in the receptor for male hormone testosterone that may contribute to its development.
Researchers have detected a novel oncolytic viral therapy against prostate cancer using the reovirus, showing safety and efficacy in early-stage patients. The study found that the virus induced cancer cell death without replicating in normal tissues, with minimal toxicity reported.
A new study shows that robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) does not compromise surgical outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. Surgeons can use visual cues to improve clinical outcomes, including the color of tissue, vein locations, and signs of inflammation.
Monash University scientists have identified a new way to treat castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells using estrogen receptors. The study shows that activating these receptors can cause cell death in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) have similar rates of postoperative mortality and morbidity. LRP was associated with shorter hospital stays and a lower risk of bladder neck or urethral obstruction.
US PSA screening detected fewer prostate cancers compared to a European randomized trial, with lower sensitivity being the main cause. The estimated sensitivity of PSA testing followed by biopsy was significantly lower in the US (0.26) than in the European trial (0.94).
Queen's University researchers discovered a low-dose nitroglycerin treatment may slow and halt prostate cancer disease progression without severe side effects. The study, which targeted 29 men with increasing PSA levels following surgery or radiation, showed significant slowing in disease progression in all but one patient.
Researchers found that prostate cancer cells can lose the DAB2IP protein, which acts as scaffolding to prevent cell growth, allowing them to break free and spread to other parts of the body. The study suggests that restoring this function could inhibit cancer progression.
A new study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the US face a higher risk of suicide and cardiovascular death, particularly during the first year after diagnosis. The study suggests that providing emotional counseling and support for patients newly diagnosed with cancer may be essential to mitigate this risk.
Researchers used MR spectroscopy to analyze the biochemical makeup of prostate glands and accurately identified the location of tissue confirmed to be malignant. The approach achieved an accuracy of over 90% in detecting stage II tumors and could potentially guide treatment planning.
A study published in the journal Cancer found that prostate cancer treatment decisions are influenced by the type of healthcare facility where patients receive care. Patients treated in county hospitals are more likely to undergo surgery, while those in private facilities tend to receive radiation or hormone therapy.
A clinical trial shows that patients with metastatic prostate cancer who received a vaccine lived substantially longer than those who received a placebo, with a median survival time of 24.5 months compared to 16 months. The study found encouraging evidence for a clinically meaningful benefit from this vaccine approach.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variant associated with aggressive prostate cancer, which may help identify men at risk of developing the disease. The study found that this genetic marker was present in 25% more men with aggressive disease than those with slow-growing disease.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that diabetes negatively affects prostate cancer outcomes in obese white men following radical prostatectomy. However, the impact of diabetes on prostate cancer progression varies by race and weight, with lower risks observed in other subgroups.
Researchers found TRAP-1 to be highly expressed in prostate cancer cells, inhibiting cell death, while Gamitrinib treatment killed cancer cells but not healthy ones. This suggests targeting TRAP-1 may provide a new approach for treating advanced prostate cancer.
A new study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a higher risk of cardiovascular events and suicide, especially during the first year after diagnosis. The researchers attribute this to emotional stress associated with the diagnosis, which may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and suicidal thoughts.
Researchers Yoed Rabin and Kenji Shimada are developing an interactive simulator for cryosurgical procedures, combined with a computerized tutor to evaluate quality. This project aims to enhance surgical training by practicing virtual cryosurgical procedures, motivating surgeons to learn and improve their skills.
Researchers found that xanthohumol, a flavonoid derived from hops, blocks the effects of testosterone and prevents prostate cancer. The study suggests that this compound may have beneficial effects in animals, reducing hormone signaling and gene expression in prostate tissue.
Men with prostate cancer who engage in moderate exercise have improved overall survival, while vigorous exercise may decrease death rates from prostate cancer. Researchers found that three or more hours of physical activity per week lowered mortality risk by 35%.
Researchers found a strong inverse association between coffee consumption and the risk of lethal and advanced prostate cancers. Men who drank the most coffee had a 60% lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
A randomised trial found that medroxyprogesterone acetate is significantly more effective than venlafaxine at reducing hot flushes in men treated with androgen suppression therapy. Cyproterone acetate was also effective, but medroxyprogesterone is recommended as the standard treatment due to its fewer side effects.
A Mayo Clinic study found that routine annual evaluation of prostate growth is not a reliable predictor for prostate cancer development. However, if PSA levels are rising quickly, a prostate biopsy is recommended to determine if prostate cancer exists.
Researchers found that parathyroid hormone can elevate PSA levels in healthy men, leading to unnecessary biopsies and treatment. The study aims to refine the prostate cancer screening test to better differentiate between those who need a biopsy and those who may be spared.
Researchers at Yale University developed synthetic molecules that enhance the body's immune response to HIV and prostate cancer cells. The molecules work by binding to antibodies and proteins on infected cells, triggering an immune response and preventing infection.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that a patient's socioeconomic status has no effect on their outcome following curative radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 788 patients and found that all patients, regardless of race or income, had similar survival rates and biochemical control rates.
Men with prostate cancer who experience PSA rise within 18 months of radiotherapy are at higher risk of developing spread and dying from their disease. The time between treatment and PSA recurrence has been shown to be a significant predictor of cancer-specific mortality.
A study presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) found that hypofractionated radiation treatment is more effective in stopping cancer from growing in high-risk prostate cancer patients compared to standard radiation therapy. The new treatment also had no increased risk of negative side effects, making it a valua...
A new study found that a shorter, five-week course of hypofractionated radiation is as effective as standard radiation therapy in reducing prostate cancer recurrence. The treatment delivered higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions, resulting in no significant difference in cancer recurrence or side effects between the two groups.
Researchers found that men with lower cholesterol levels had a 59% lower risk of developing high-grade prostate cancers, which tend to grow and spread rapidly. The study suggests that targeting cholesterol metabolism may be one route to treating and preventing the disease.
Research led by Ohio State University found that aggressive prostate cancers have small, irregular blood vessels, while slow-growing tumors have more normal-appearing vessels. This study suggests using tumor blood vessel architecture to guide therapy and potentially improve long-term survival for patients.
A study found that adding proton therapy 'boost' to X-ray radiation therapy significantly reduces prostate cancer recurrences in low- and intermediate-risk patients. The high-dose treatment also proves safe with minimal side effects, benefiting these patients with conventional doses of radiation.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy added to radiation treatment significantly increases survival in medium-risk prostate cancer patients by 51% compared to those receiving radiation alone. In contrast, low-risk patients showed no significant benefit from this combination.
A phase III study found that short-term hormone therapy given prior to and during intermediate dose radiation treatment significantly increases the chance of living longer (51 percent) compared to those who receive radiation alone. The benefit appeared to be greatest for men at medium-risk for disease failure.
A U-M study found that exposure to androgen hormone relocates pieces of chromosome near each other, setting the scene for gene fusion in prostate cancer. This finding may lead to new screening tools or prevention strategies.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive PSA assay using nanotechnology, enabling early detection of prostate cancer recurrence and improving treatment outcomes. The new technology has the potential to redefine the PSA 'zero' level, allowing for earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies.
Researchers from Germany investigated a large study of 589 prostate cancer patients between 2000 and 2006 and found no link between XMRV infection and the disease. Despite previous reports suggesting a potential association, the study detected no evidence for XMRV in German prostate cancer patients.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital map a high-risk group for aggressive, 'hidden' prostate cancer, utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reveal tumors on the top of the prostate. The study identifies men with elevated PSA levels who benefit from MRI-guided biopsies.
Recent trials have shown small reductions in prostate cancer mortality, but the potential benefits must be balanced against increased diagnosis rates and treatment complications. Developing more effective decision support tools may improve discussions between men and their physicians about screening.
A survey found that men largely make decisions about prostate cancer screening based on conversations with clinicians, but these discussions often do not include information about the risks of testing. Statistical modeling suggests that benefits and harms of PSA screening vary with age and risk level, with higher-risk men having more p...
A Swiss study found that prostate cancer patients with lower incomes receive worse care and have a higher risk of dying from the disease. The research suggests that socioeconomic status plays a significant role in prostate cancer mortality, with poorer patients receiving less comprehensive treatment and more advanced stages at diagnosis.
A large study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients treated with radiotherapy after prostate cancer surgery experienced very few complications, contradicting concerns about toxicity and side effects. The study suggests that radiation treatment is an effective and safe option for patients with recurrent cancer.
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that 60% of prostate cancer cases lack aggressive protein Hsp-27, allowing for careful monitoring instead of treatment. The research could lead to a blood test to distinguish between aggressive and non-aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that genetic risk of prostate cancer can be reduced by rescuing critical immune system cells. In mice with a gene called lymphotoxin alpha, these cells come back and delay tumor formation, potentially slowing cancer growth and spread.
A new study found that hormone therapy for prostate cancer increases the risk of developing heart problems, including coronary heart disease and heart attacks. The study suggests that doctors should consider heart-related side effects when prescribing endocrine therapy and refer patients to a cardiologist before starting treatment.
A study found improved survival rates for men with localized prostate cancer diagnosed between 1992 and 2002 compared to earlier eras. The 10-year prostate cancer-specific mortality rate was 8.3% for well-differentiated tumors, lower than previous reports.
Studies found significant DNA damage in humans with minor zinc deficiency, highlighting the health implications of inadequate intake. Experts recommend multivitamins for elderly individuals to ensure adequate levels, as zinc is essential for antioxidant defense and DNA repair.
A strong association has been found between Trichomonas vaginalis infection and advanced, lethal prostate cancer in men. The study, published on the Journal of the National Cancer Institute website, analyzed blood samples from 673 men with prostate cancer and compared infection status to 673 control subjects.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a new type of adult stem cell, CARNs, in the prostate that can give rise to cancer if tumor suppressor genes are inactivated. The discovery resolves controversy over the origin of prostate cancer cells and may help develop better treatments.
Researchers have confirmed a link between Trichomonas vaginalis and an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study found that men infected with T. vaginalis were more likely to develop extraprostatic prostate cancer and cancer that is likely to progress to bony metastases or prostate cancer-specific death.
A study has found that XMRV retrovirus is present in 27% of prostate cancers, associated with more aggressive tumors. The viral proteins were predominantly found in malignant prostatic cells, suggesting a direct link between XMRV infection and tumor formation.
A new study confirms associations between SNPs and increased prostate cancer risk in Japanese men, similar to findings in European populations. Men with six or more risk alleles had substantially higher risk for prostate cancer.
A new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine shows that PET/CT scans with the imaging agent choline can detect recurring prostate cancer sooner than conventional imaging technologies. Researchers found a strong association between PET/CT detection and PSA levels, and suggest using specific criteria to reduce unnecessary scans.
Researchers estimated that 1.3 million extra cases were diagnosed and over a million treated since 1986 due to overdiagnosis of prostate cancer through PSA screening. The majority of these cases involve younger men.