Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
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.
A recent study found that the racial disparity gap in prostate cancer stage at diagnosis has decreased over time. More men were diagnosed with prostate cancer at an earlier age and stage in 2004-2005 compared to earlier years, according to data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program.
Men with coronary artery disease-induced congestive heart failure or heart attack who receive hormone therapy before or along with radiation therapy for prostate cancer have a higher risk of death, according to a study. However, in men without comorbidities, hormone therapy was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
A new study has found that high serum insulin levels are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, even within the normal range. Insulin-like growth factors may play a role in prostate cancer development.
Researchers at USC have identified novel genetic mechanisms that govern an individual's risk of developing prostate cancer, highlighting the role of gene 'deserts' and regulatory sequences. The study found that genetic variations in these regions can modulate gene expression, increasing the risk for certain diseases.
A new study has found that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer recurrence in both black and white men, with no racial difference observed. Researchers analyzed data from 1,415 patients and found a significant association between higher body mass index and increased risk of cancer recurrence.
A new study found that denosumab significantly increased bone density at all monitored sites and reduced new vertebral fractures by 62% in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. The treatment also showed improvements in bone density at the radius, one of the bones in the forearm.
Oral sodium clodronate reduces death by 23% and increases overall survival to 30% at 5 years for patients with advanced prostate cancer. However, in men with localized disease, clodronate shows no improvement in overall survival.
A new study by Louis Potters and colleagues found that permanent prostate brachytherapy is an effective treatment option for younger patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, with success rates comparable to older patients. The study analyzed data from 2,119 patients and showed that age didn't impact the long-term therapeutic outcome of...
The North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project finds differences in physician trust, access to care, and continuity of care between African American and Caucasian men, leading to advanced prostate cancer at diagnosis. An established relationship with a healthcare provider can mitigate these disparities.
A University of North Carolina study found that establishing a regular relationship with a healthcare provider reduces racial disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis. Men with ongoing relationships are more likely to receive screenings and less likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease.
Researchers have identified MEK4 as a key player in promoting cell invasion in prostate cancer. Genistein, a dietary compound, inhibits MEK4 kinase activity, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for prostate cancer treatment.
A large-scale study found that only 12% of men who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1987 and 2005 died from prostate cancer within 15 years. The low mortality rate suggests that some patients with slow-growing cancers may not need immediate treatment.
A recent study published in Cancer found that men with early stages of prostate cancer who delay radical treatment have acceptable levels of anxiety and distress. The study's results suggest that living with untreated cancer is not upsetting for many patients, but certain mental and physical factors can increase distress.
Developed a compact gamma camera called ProxiScan to localize prostate cancer tissue with high resolution. The camera system enables early diagnosis and treatment of potentially deadly disease.
Researchers have discovered a new gene fusion, NDRG1-ERG, that produces a protein potentially targeted by drug therapies. This finding may improve prostate cancer testing and treatment options.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveal how late-stage prostate tumors gain ability to grow without hormones. The study identifies a gene called UBE2C as key regulator in hormone-independent growth.
Researchers found that finasteride use made no difference in high-grade cancer rates among men without cancer warning signs, but significantly reduced the risk in those with abnormal digital rectal exams or elevated PSA levels. The study suggests doctors can be less cautious in using finasteride for preventive treatment.
Dr. Nima Sharifi received a $375,000 grant to study genes that determine prostate cancer resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. The funding supports his laboratory's work in developing new therapies.
A new molecule finds and penetrates prostate cancer cells, allowing for targeted treatment and improved imaging. The targeting molecule has the potential to reduce toxic side effects and improve diagnosis of prostate cancer.
A new three-way measurement method has been developed to predict disease metastasis in prostate cancer, combining PSA doubling time, Gleason score, and interval between surgery and detectable PSA levels. This improved prediction method may help determine which patients benefit from additional therapy after surgery.
The July issue of European Urology reviews prostate cancer screening studies, highlighting the need to balance mortality reduction with overdiagnosis risks. The EAU adopts the conclusions of the ERSPC study and recognizes the benefit of screening for mortality reduction.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that higher selenium levels can worsen prostate cancer outcomes for men carrying a specific SOD2 gene variant. Men with the highest selenium levels and this variant had a 40% lower risk of aggressive disease, while those with the lowest levels were twice as likely to develop it.
Sexual medicine experts focus on treating causes of sexual dysfunction beyond physical issues, exploring relationship dynamics and hormonal imbalance. New treatments and options for women and men are being developed to address complex sexual health needs.
The Prostate Cancer Translational Research in Europe meeting showcased ongoing research efforts to identify biomarkers, genetic variants and new therapeutic options. Researchers discussed the importance of collaboration between clinicians and scientists to streamline current efforts and avoid duplication.
A recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that men with prostate cancer who consumed green tea demonstrated a significant reduction in serum markers predictive of disease progression. The study showed a 30% or greater reduction in levels of hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and prostate-sp...
Researchers used a combination of an immunotherapeutic agent called MDX-010 or ipilimumab with standardized hormone treatment and radiation therapy to treat advanced prostate cancer. The approach led to significant tumor shrinkage and cancer cell death, allowing surgery in two previously inoperable patients.
Researchers have developed a novel form of treatment using an alpha-particle emitting radiopeptide that targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The study found that this therapy was significantly more effective at tripling the survival rate of mice with recurrent prostate cancer compared to traditional treatments.
A new online decision tool allows prostate cancer patients to weigh their own preferences against medical data to personalize treatment plans. The tool considers multiple factors, including life expectancy and side effects, to guide treatment decisions.
A new risk assessment test, CAPRA, has been developed to predict long-term risks and pinpoint high-risk cases in prostate cancer. The test accurately predicted bone metastasis, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality when localized prostate cancer is first diagnosed.
A recent study found that hormone therapy can alter prostate tumor properties, making them more aggressive and prone to metastasis. The treatment reduces male sex hormone production, but also increases levels of proteins enabling cancer cells to spread.
A new study has found that autoantibodies are not strongly associated with improved outcomes in melanoma patients treated with interferon. The CAPRA score was accurate in predicting bone metastasis, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality at diagnosis of localized prostate cancer.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered changes in 1,141 genes that induce the formation of new structures such as blood vessels and nerves in prostate cancer patients. These gene changes may explain why men with reactive stroma face a more aggressive disease.
A four-year UCLA study found significant impacts on quality of life for prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy, seed implants, or external beam radiation. The study developed 'probability plots' to predict when side effects will return to normal or if a patient will fully recover.
Two studies found that patients with cancer aged 65+ experience a significant decline in physical and mental health, leading to lower overall quality of life. The impact on HRQOL was quantified by analyzing changes in patients' well-being before and after diagnosis.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli, may help prevent prostate cancer. Avoiding high-energy intake, excessive meat, dairy products, and calcium may also be beneficial.
A new technique using gold nanoparticles could lead to an effective and affordable over-the-counter prostate cancer test kit. The test is designed to detect cancer-producing proteins related to prostate cancer, similar to the FDA-approved Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.
A new blood test combined with PSA screening accurately detects prostate cancer over 90% of the time, reducing false-positives and potentially eliminating tens of thousands of unnecessary biopsies. The six-gene molecular diagnostic test improved specificity and sensitivity compared to PSA alone.
A recent study found that men with low oxygen levels in their prostate tumor are more likely to experience a return of prostate cancer after treatment. Researchers say this finding could lead to personalized treatment approaches, including combination therapies and non-invasive methods for detecting oxygen levels in tumors.
Research reveals that HGPIN carries a high predictive value for future diagnosis of prostate cancer, with a 41.8% risk identified in patients. The study recommends delaying first repeat biopsies at low PSA ranges but shorter intervals for intermediate and higher PSA ranges.
A new study found that younger men with advanced prostate cancer have a poorer prognosis than older men, despite having less aggressive tumors. The researchers suspect that young men may have biologically more aggressive forms of the disease.
A phase I clinical trial of Zyflamend, a novel herbal therapy, demonstrates its safety and tolerability in men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), a precursor to prostate cancer. The study confirms that Zyflamend is well-tolerated when administered orally for up to 18 months.
Researchers found a protein, βarrestin2, that suppresses androgen receptor expression in prostate cancer cells, potentially halting disease progression. Increased levels of βarrestin2 may lead to improved staging and treatment of testosterone-fueled prostate cancer.
Researchers have developed a new 3-minute test that measures the level of citrate in fluid samples from the prostate gland to detect prostate cancer. The technique uses light energy and can provide an accurate way to screen and diagnose the disease, particularly in its early stages.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati have identified a new molecular pathway responsible for the rapid development of invasive prostate cancer tumors. The simultaneous inactivation of PTEN and Par-4 genes causes a synergistic effect leading to more aggressive tumors.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that low-oxygen regions in prostate tumors are associated with increased PSA levels, a marker of tumor recurrence. The study used a custom-built probe to monitor oxygen levels in tumors and non-cancerous muscle tissue before localized radiation therapy.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker associated with an earlier onset of prostate cancer in high-risk men. The Met160Val SNP is linked to a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing prostate cancer, and carriers are more likely to develop the disease earlier.
A recent study has identified four risk factors that can predict survival outcomes for men with metastatic prostate cancer, enabling doctors to choose more effective treatments. The researchers used data from over 1,000 patients and found that pain levels, anemia, cancer spread, and bone progression were key indicators of prognosis.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that radical prostatectomy significantly increases long-term survival for men under 50 with prostate cancer. The procedure improved cancer-specific and overall survival rates compared to radiotherapy or watchful waiting, making it the recommended treatment option for younger patients.
Researchers identified BCL2, p53, and high microvessel density as molecular factors associated with increased risk of death from prostate cancer. Additionally, a study found that news reports often sensationalize medical research, potentially misleading the public about its relevance to human health.
A new study found that statins significantly lower PSA levels in men with prostate cancer, which may require adjusting the biopsy threshold for patients on statins. Statins have also been shown to lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in healthy men.
The Phase 3 IMPACT trial found that sipuleucel-T significantly prolonged overall survival by 4.1 months and improved three-year survival by 38 percent compared to placebo. This innovative immunotherapy reduced the risk of death by 22.5 percent.
A new analysis finds that prostate cancer patients who undergo testosterone-lowering therapy are at higher risk of bone fractures and heart-related deaths. The study highlights the need for preventive measures and careful health scrutiny to mitigate these risks.
The American Urological Association recommends individualized PSA testing for men 40 years or older with a life expectancy of at least 10 years. The test should be accompanied by a digital rectal exam to determine prostate cancer risk, which also considers family history and overall health.
The American Urological Association recommends PSA testing for men aged 40+, considering factors like family history and overall health. The new guidelines stress that prostate cancer is an individual decision, and the single standard should not apply to all men.
Researchers have identified two potential new targets in the fight against prostate cancer: 'cold shock' proteins that can be turned down through genetic techniques to weaken cancer cells, and higher bone density in men which may increase their risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, children with kidney stones are more likel...
A large Mayo Clinic cohort study found that statin use is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, with non-statin users three times more likely to develop the condition. Statins may also protect against erectile dysfunction, particularly among older men, and prevent prostate enlargement.
Researchers found a 72% reduction in risk for tumor inflammation among men taking statins, which may contribute to lower advanced prostate cancer incidence. Statin use could potentially control or prevent prostate cancer through anti-inflammatory effects.
Researchers found that a three-year combination therapy of vitamin E, selenium, and soy did not prevent the progression from HGPIN to prostate cancer. The study results show that 26.4% of participants developed invasive prostate cancer, regardless of baseline characteristics.
Researchers have established criteria for reclassifying prostate cancer risk over time, allowing for more tailored treatment approaches. Patients with slow-growing cancer can benefit from reduced therapy burden, while those with more aggressive disease receive definitive care.