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New advance in prostate cancer management

A new technique called the Checkerboard Tissue Microarray (TMA) Method has been developed to accurately predict prostate cancer aggressiveness. This method can help identify markers of aggressive tumors, potentially preventing thousands of men from undergoing unnecessary radical surgery and its severe side effects.

SourceThe Institute of Cancer Research·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateAug 9, 2005

Largest study to date reveals baseline findings for flexible sigmoidoscopy

The largest study to date provides valuable insights into flexible sigmoidoscopy screening among 154,942 participants aged 55-74. Findings show that women are more likely to decline FSG than men, while non-acceptance increases with age in women. The rate of cancer detected was 2.9 per 1,000 individuals screened.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2005

Other highlights in the July 6 JNCI

A new study found long-duration regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs may lower prostate cancer risk by 18%. Gene variants associated with melanoma risk were also identified in a Mediterranean population study, while another study found no link between gene mutations and response to bevacizumab

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2005

Silenced gene suggests greater risk, possible marker for African-Americans with prostate cancer

Researchers found that the GSTP1 gene is temporarily inactivated through hypermethylation, increasing the risk of prostate cancer in African-Americans compared to Caucasians. The study suggests that GSTP1 hypermethylation may serve as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJun 16, 2005

Delaying radiation for prostate cancer does not affect outcome

A study of 1500 men with locally confined prostate cancer found that delaying radiation therapy did not affect overall survival, disease-specific survival, or treatment failure rates. This research provides reassurance for patients considering delayed treatment, allowing them to make informed decisions.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 13, 2005

Relationships improve quality of life for prostate cancer patients

A study found that men with prostate cancer who are in a relationship report better mental health, greater spirituality, and fewer urinary symptoms. The researchers conclude that clinicians should address coping mechanisms to encourage the benefits of partnership and mitigate the negative effects of being single.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 23, 2005

Prostate cancer therapy - study suggests new molecular screening theory

Researchers at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research found that Smad7 protein levels may predict therapy response to 2-ME compound. The study suggests that artificially lowering Smad7 levels in prostate cancer cells reduces the compound's ability to cause cell death, leading to potential breakthroughs in personalized cancer treatment.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2005

Prostate cancer screening practices examined

A massive study is examining prostate cancer screening practices to determine their impact on death rates. The study follows 75,000 men, half of whom are screened and half receive conventional care, allowing researchers to compare survival rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Men more likely to get screened for prostate cancer than colon cancer, U-M study finds

A new study found that nearly two-thirds of men are up-to-date with prostate cancer screening, but only 47.6% have had a recent colon cancer screening. The researchers suggest using prostate cancer screenings as an opportunity to encourage men to get screened for colon cancer, which is projected to affect over 70,000 men this year.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 2, 2005

Obesity may affect accuracy of prostate screening

A study found that obesity can make prostate cancer screenings less accurate, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer treatment outcomes. The research suggests that physicians should consider adjusting PSA values when screening for prostate cancer in overweight or obese men.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 24, 2005

Other highlights in the January 19 JNCI

A new study found that adding more types to the current HPV DNA test would detect relatively few additional cases of cervical cancer but lead to thousands of unnecessary exams for women without cancer. Meanwhile, esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased by sixfold over the last 25 years, with no clear explanation for the rise.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 18, 2005

Mitochondrial DNA mutations play significant role in prostate cancer

Researchers found mitochondrial DNA mutations in 12% of prostate cancer samples and 7.8% of general population controls, with increased tumor growth and oxygen radical production in mutant cells. These findings suggest a causal link between mtDNA mutations and prostate cancer development, particularly in African men.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2005