Research on prostate cancer biology, detection, and outcomes. Covers genetic clues, DNA damage, diet and survival, and screening awareness.
Only a small proportion of diagnosed low-risk prostate cancers will progress to life-threatening disease during a patient's lifetime. Recorded incidence has increased due to screening and improved diagnosis, but mortality rates have not kept pace, suggesting that most low-risk cases may remain stable or even decrease over time.
Researchers found that African-American men with a family history of prostate cancer are unlikely to develop the disease if their baseline PSA level is below the age-specific median. In contrast, those with high baseline PSA levels are more likely to develop prostate cancer, even with other risk factors.
Two studies presented at AUA 2008 found that active surveillance is a viable option for low-risk prostate cancer patients. The studies highlighted the importance of reliable clinical predictors of disease progression and showed that endorectal MRI was the most reliable predictor of disease progression.
A new therapeutic vaccine has shown promising results in prolonging survival and improving the quality of life for men with metastatic prostate cancer. The adenovirus/PSA vaccine demonstrated strong immune responses to PSA, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found a link between PTOV1 gene expression and prostate cancer development in HG-PIN lesions. The study suggests using the biomarker to determine which men with HG-PIN are at substantial risk of developing prostate cancer, potentially saving up to 40% of unnecessary biopsies.
A new study suggests that therapies inhibiting IGF-1 signaling in prostate cancer may not work as expected in tumors with a compromised p53 gene. The research, conducted by investigators at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, found that eliminating IGF-1R expression led to hyperplastic cell growth and proliferation in mouse prostates.
Researchers have found a biomarker that can distinguish between HG-PIN lesions destined to become cancerous and those that will remain benign. The PTOV1 gene marker is linked to prostate cancer development and can help determine which men with HG-PIN are at substantial risk of developing prostate cancer.
A study by OHSU Cancer Institute researcher Tomasz Beer found that a protein called C-reactive protein can predict the survival rate of men with advanced prostate cancer. The discovery could lead to a simple blood test to help patients and doctors understand the disease's progression.
A prostate cancer screening program introduced in the Tyrol region of Austria led to a significant reduction in deaths from the disease, with a 54% decline by 2005. The program's success can be attributed to early detection and effective treatment, which has improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have found genetic differences in breast tumors between African-American and Caucasian women that may contribute to the more aggressive clinical features of breast cancer in African-American women. These differences were also seen in prostate cancer, suggesting a possible link to viral involvement and genetic factors.
Researchers are using cellular strategies and new vaccines to direct the body's immune system against cancer. A phase I/II trial of a live Listeria cancer vaccine has shown that it is safe for humans and can reduce tumor size in some patients, with three women experiencing approximately 20 percent tumor reductions.
A recent study found that 3T MRI without an endorectal coil can detect prostate cancer with diagnostic image quality and accurate tumor localization. The technique provided undistorted images of the prostate and surrounding tissue, allowing for precise surgical planning.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified six new genes that play a role in type 2 diabetes, including one also linked to prostate cancer. The study provides insights into the mechanisms controlling glucose levels in the blood, offering potential new methods for preventing or treating the disease.
A new study published in Radiology found that MRI detection of extracapsular extension is an important factor in determining outcome for men scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. Patients with substantial extracapsular spread are more likely to experience recurrence and spread of their cancers.
A multi-center study found that prostate size and urinary symptoms influence patient satisfaction with cancer treatment. Men with larger prostates may experience improved urination after surgery, while African-American men tend to be less satisfied despite receiving similar care.
A new study found that improved biopsy techniques have reduced the correlation between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and positive biopsy results in men with a normal digital rectal exam. The study suggests that PSA tests are less useful for prostate cancer screening, highlighting the need for new diagnostic markers.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered that blocking the signaling protein Stat5 can effectively kill prostate cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. This finding holds promise for treating advanced prostate cancer, particularly hormone-resistant cases.
A new blood biomarker has been discovered that enables accurate prediction of prostate cancer metastasis. The biomarker, endoglin, measures plasma levels associated with an increased risk of cancer spread into regional lymph nodes. Adding this marker to current methods improves accuracy from 89.4% to 97.8%.
A five-year grant aims to uncover the genetic mechanism behind increased sensitivity to estrogen due to low-dose BPA exposure, which may predispose men to prostate cancer later in life. The study will use human prostate-like structures and animal models to characterize dose-response and gene modifications.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center found that hormone refractory prostate cancers are more invasive and likely to spread to other organs than androgen-dependent cancers. The study suggests that blocking overexpression of the androgen receptor could prevent cancer spread.
Researchers found that mildly obese men's PSA scores were fourteen percent lower than normal-weight men, while moderately and severely obese men had 29 percent lower PSA values. The study highlights the need to reconsider PSA threshold values for heavier patients to ensure timely diagnosis.
Researchers discovered a correlation between pre-treatment biopsy samples and post-treatment positive biopsies in high-risk prostate cancer patients. This information can help doctors tailor radiation treatment to reduce recurrence rates.
Researchers found that a single PSA test before age 50 can predict advanced prostate cancer up to 25 years later, helping identify high-risk men for targeted screenings. The study analyzed blood samples from over 160 men with advanced prostate cancer and a similar cohort without cancer.
Researchers found a biomarker that identifies men with a five-fold increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence if their tumors show silencing of the CDH13 gene. The study, which examined DNA methylation changes in 151 research subjects, suggests a potential tool to improve prediction accuracy and inform clinical practice.
Researchers found a single PSA test can predict advanced prostate cancer with high accuracy, allowing for targeted screening and potentially reducing overdiagnosis. The study revealed that men with higher PSA levels are at increased risk of developing advanced cancer, highlighting the potential for early detection to improve outcomes.
A new study finds that eating a diet low in fat and red meat, but high in vegetables and lean protein, may significantly decrease the risk of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This association is likely due to reduced inflammation and changes in steroid hormones.
Researchers found that men with physically active jobs had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those with low-activity jobs. The study also revealed that increased physical activity was associated with reduced exposure to carcinogenic chemicals.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital are conducting a phase III clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of gene therapy in combination with radiation therapy for patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer. The trial aims to improve patient outcomes by delaying hormone therapy, which can have severe side effects.
Localized prostate cancer treatment options face uncertainty due to limited evidence. Gene expression tests for breast cancer hold promise but require further data on benefits and limitations. New HIV treatment guidelines suggest earlier initiation may increase life expectancy for younger patients. Pregnant women should not be screened...
A new urine test detects prostate cancer more accurately than current methods, including PSA and PCA3 tests. The test identified 80% of patients with prostate cancer and was 61% effective in ruling out disease.
Researchers have developed a successful test vaccine that prevents the development of prostate cancer in 90% of young mice. The vaccine targets prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), which is over-expressed in early-stage prostate cancers, and has been shown to mount an immune response against the protein.
A new model predicts prostate cancer progression based on Gleason score and biomarker assessments, providing valuable information for patient management and treatment planning. The research has potential benefits for patients diagnosed with early prostate cancer.
A recent study published in The Prostate found that men with low zinc levels and high cadmium exposure had a 22% higher PSA level, indicating a higher risk of prostate cancer. Conversely, those with high zinc intake showed little evidence of an association between cadmium and PSA levels.
Men with prostate cancer who undergo radical prostatectomy experience significant urinary and sexual dysfunction, including incontinence and depression. Health-care practitioners must educate patients about these side effects to improve quality of life.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Neil Bander will develop a novel nanomedicine for prostate cancer, targeting specific sites with high PSMA presence. The collaboration aims to create synergies in research and development, potentially reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness.
A collaborative analysis of 18 prospective studies found no link between circulating sex hormones and prostate cancer risk. High levels of male sex hormones were previously thought to be a risk factor, but the results indicate that testosterone and estrogen do not play a significant role in prostate cancer development.
The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) advises that clinicians provide information on potential benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening to men, especially those with family history or African-American background. Patient-clinician discussion is crucial for informed decision-making about screening.
A molecular change found in human prostate cancers triggers growth of prostate cancer in mice and human cell lines. The overexpression of ERG transcription factor is thought to activate cell-invasion programs, displacing basal cells by neoplastic epithelium.
Men with localized prostate cancer who received male hormone suppression therapy and radiation treatment had longer survival rates. However, those with moderate to high levels of comorbid illnesses did not experience this effect. Combination therapy improved overall survival in men without severe comorbidity.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, showing that finasteride reduces prostate cancer risk by 25% but also causes side effects like impotence. The study encourages men to consider both benefits and drawbacks before taking the drug to prevent prostate cancer.
Researchers have identified a new gene test that can identify men with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The study found that men carrying a combination of known risk genes are four to five times more likely to develop the disease, providing a potential breakthrough in early detection and treatment.
A new genomics research found that a simple blood test can determine which men are likely to develop prostate cancer. Researchers identified five genetic variants associated with prostate cancer risk, which combined could account for 40% of cases.
A panel of genetic markers, derived from a study of Swedish men, has been identified as common causes of hereditary prostate cancer. These markers, combined with family history, increase the risk of the disease by nearly nine times, accounting for nearly half of all cases in this population.
A new study from Danish researchers has found that childless men have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than fathers, with a reduced risk associated with having more children. The study suggests that this may be due to a "healthy father" phenomenon, where fertile men are less likely to develop the disease.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that nearly all recurrent prostate cancers resistant to hormone therapy activate a signaling protein called Stat5, making it a potential drug target. The convergence of two biological pathways may also contribute to the development of aggressive hormone-resistant tumors.
Researchers identified a genetic variant of the DAB2IP gene associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. The finding may lead to better risk assessment and personalized treatment options for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Researchers identified a variant of the tumor suppressor gene DAB2IP associated with aggressive prostate cancer. A study of nearly 1,000 Swedish men and two independent groups confirmed the link, suggesting this gene plays a role in prostate cancer progression.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a mouse model to study prostate cancer progression, revealing the role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in initiating cancer. The study identified key genes involved in cell plasticity and discovered a new marker for human prostate cancer.
Researchers identified two proteins, hnRNP-H1 and SAFB-2, as potential biomarkers for disease screening in African-American men. These proteins are involved in the growth of tumor cells and may play a role in hormone-related prostate cancer progression.
African-American men face an observable disadvantage in prostate cancer survival due to genetic and behavioral differences. Research highlights the impact of cultural beliefs, such as fatalism and religiosity, on cancer detection and control, as well as the link between obesity and advanced-stage prostate cancer diagnosis.
Researchers at UC Davis identified a cellular pathway involving microRNA miR-125b that contributes to the progression of prostate cancer. The discovery provides a potential target for reducing cancer deaths among American men.
A study found that over 89% of men with early prostate cancer received inappropriate therapies due to pre-existing problems. The mismatched treatments may be attributed to patients' reluctance to discuss symptoms with their physicians.
A study found that many prostate cancer patients receive treatment contraindicated by pre-existing conditions, such as urinary or bowel dysfunction. This 'mismatched' therapy can lead to worsened symptoms and outcomes.
Research found that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with greater plasma volume, leading to lower PSA concentrations among obese men. The study of over 13,000 men with prostate cancer suggests a possible explanation for the observed association between obesity and decreased PSA levels.
A new study led by Duke Prostate Center researchers found that obese men may be missing cancers because the blood marker used to detect prostate cancer can be diluted in their bodies. The concentration of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood is lower in obese men due to increased blood volume.
The S.T.A.R. Program brings together researchers from top cancer centers to explore the role of targeted heat in cancer therapy for prostate cancer. The program aims to selectively heat cancer cells while preventing damage to adjacent healthy tissues.
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of death after treatment, according to a new study. The study found that being overweight or obese at diagnosis was an independent risk factor for prostate cancer-specific mortality.
A structured support program improved prostate cancer patients' and their spouses' lives by addressing symptom management, hope, and couples' communication. The intervention also reduced mental health distress and increased physical quality of life.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that targeted interventions for caregivers can significantly improve their physical and emotional quality of life. The FOCUS Program, a family-based intervention, provided benefits for spouses of prostate cancer patients, including reduced uncertainty and imp...
Researchers have discovered a new genetic variant, rs7008482, strongly associated with increased prostate cancer risk in African-American men. This variation is located within a gene involved in DNA repair and may confer an inherited predisposition to genetic instability.