ScienceDaily: Prostate Health News

Agent orange exposure linked to life-threatening prostate cancer

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:30:30 EDT

A new analysis has found a link between exposure to Agent Orange and lethal forms of prostate cancer among US Veterans. The findings suggest that Agent Orange exposure history should be incorporated into prostate screening decisions for Veterans.

Soy and tomato may be effective in preventing prostate cancer

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:43:43 EDT

Tomatoes and soy foods may be more effective in preventing prostate cancer when they are eaten together than when either is eaten alone, said a new study.

Amplification of a Stat5 gene produces excess oncogenic protein that drives prostate cancer spread

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:49:49 EDT

Scientists have solved the mystery of why a substantial percentage of castrate-resistant metastatic prostate cancer cells contain abnormally high levels of the pro-growth protein Stat5.

Sleep problems may increase risk for prostate cancer

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:11:11 EDT

Problems falling asleep and staying asleep increased the risk for prostate cancer. The association was stronger for advanced disease. Larger studies with longer follow-up are necessary for confirmation.

Some prostate cancer patients more likely to die after weekend ER visits

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Patients with prostate cancer that has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of the body face a significantly higher risk of dying when visiting a hospital emergency department on the weekend instead of on a weekday, according to researchers.

Taking cholesterol-lowering drugs may also reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:35 EDT

Men with prostate cancer who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins are significantly less likely to die from their cancer than men who don’t take such medication, according to new study.

VEGF may not be relevant biomarker for advanced prostate cancer

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:35:35 EDT

The well-studied protein VEGF does not appear to have any prognostic or predictive value for men with locally advanced prostate cancer, researchers found.

Obese men with benign biopsy at high risk for prostate cancer

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:40:40 EDT

Obese men were more likely to have precancerous lesions detected in their benign prostate biopsies compared with nonobese men and were at a greater risk for subsequently developing prostate cancer, according to new data.

Particular DNA changes linked with prostate cancer development and lethality

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:11:11 EDT

A new analysis has found that the loss or amplification of particular DNA regions contributes to the development of prostate cancer, and that patients with two of these DNA changes have a high likelihood of dying from the disease. The study provides valuable information on the genetics of prostate cancer and offers insights into which patients should be treated aggressively.

Nearly half of all deaths from prostate cancer can be predicted before age 50

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:47:47 EDT

Focusing prostate cancer testing on men at highest risk of developing the disease is likely to improve the ratio between benefits and the harms of screening, a new paper suggests.

Gene-expression signature may signify risk for recurrence, metastasis in prostate cancer

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:14:14 EDT

Scientists have identified a genetic signature that appears to reflect the risk of tumor recurrence or spread in men surgically treated for prostate cancer. If confirmed, the finding not only may help determine which patients require additional treatment after surgery, it also may help address the most challenging problem in prostate cancer treatment -- distinguishing tumors that require aggressive treatment from those that can safely be monitored.

Nonsurgical treatment turns back the clock, shrinks enlarged prostate

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

Men with a common condition that causes frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom can get relief with a minimally invasive treatment that shrinks the prostate, suggests a new study. The early findings hail from the first prospective US trial of prostatic artery embolization, which reduces blood flow to the prostate, thus shrinking it.

Personalizing prostate specific antigen testing may improve specificity, reduce biopsies

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:48:48 EDT

Genetic variants have been identified which can increase serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentrations and prostate cancer risk. A new study reports that correcting PSA levels for these genetic variants can have significant consequences, including avoiding unnecessary biopsies for some men and eliminating false complacency for others.

Small molecule unlocks key prostate cancer survival tactic

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:32:32 EDT

The most recent in a series of studies has shown that a single molecule is at the heart of one of the most basic survival tactics of prostate cancer cells.

First genetic factor in prostate cancer prognosis identified

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:15:15 EDT

Patients with prostate cancer and hereditary mutations in the BRCA2 gene have a worse prognosis and lower survival rates than do the rest of the patients with the disease.

New prostate cancer screening guidance statement

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:44:44 EDT

Men between the ages of 50 and 69 should discuss the limited benefits and substantial harms of the prostate-specific antigen test with their doctor before undergoing screening for prostate cancer, according to new recommendations issued today by the American College of Physicians.

Avian virus may be harmful to cancer cells

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Researchers have discovered that a genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus, which harms chickens but not humans, kills prostate cancer cells of all kinds, including hormone-resistant cancer cells.

Counting copy numbers characterizes prostate cancer

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:44:44 EDT

Non-invasive ‘liquid biopsies’ can find metastatic or recurrent prostate cancer, in a low cost assay suitable for most healthcare systems, finds new research. Genomic signatures of prostate cancer, isolated from plasma DNA, display abnormal copy numbers of specific areas of chromosomes. It is even possible to separate out patients who develop resistance against hormone deprivation therapy, which is the most common form of treatment in men with metastatic prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer treatment study changing the way doctors practice

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:28:28 EDT

A new article recommends a dramatic shift in treating metastatic prostate cancer. Hormone therapy has been shown to extend the lives of patients, but it causes unpleasant side effects in men like moodiness, hot flashes, bone loss and sexual dysfunction. To relieve patients, doctors "pulsed" the therapy -- giving it for a time and then stopping until signs of prostate cancer activity reappear. The study shows that continuous therapy helps more.

On-and-off approach to prostate cancer treatment may compromise survival

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EDT

Taking a break from hormone-blocking prostate cancer treatments once the cancer seems to be stabilized is not equivalent to continuing therapy, a new large-scale international study finds.

Landmark study describes prostate cancer metastasis switch

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:01:01 EDT

SPDEF acts as a switch, regulating production of E-Cadherin, the loss of which is a prerequisite of metastasis in many cancers.

Newly identified tumor suppressor provides therapeutic target for prostate cancer

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:15:15 EDT

Researchers have found that the enzyme PKCzeta controls the activation of a pro-tumor gene called c-Myc. Normally, PKCzeta's alteration keeps c-Myc in check. But PKCzeta levels are low in prostate and other cancers, leaving c-Myc free to enhance cell growth and metastasis.

Loss of tumor suppressor SPOP releases cancer potential of SRC-3

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:10:10 EDT

Mutations in a protein called SPOP disarm it, allowing another protein called steroid receptor coactivator-3 to encourage the proliferation and spread of prostate cancer cells, researchers report.

Prostate cancer risk rises in men with inherited genetic condition

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:09:09 EDT

Men with an inherited genetic condition called Lynch syndrome face a higher lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer and appear to develop the disease at an earlier age, according to a new study.

Genetic 'spelling mistakes' that increase risk of common cancers determined

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:25:25 EDT

More than 80 genetic 'spelling mistakes' that can increase the risk of breast, prostate and ovarian cancer have been found in a large, international research study. For the first time, the researchers also have a relatively clear picture of the total number of genetic alterations that can be linked to these cancers.

Scientists discover driving force behind prostate cancer

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Scientists have discovered the driving force behind the development of prostate cancer. Their research reveals the existence of a cancer inducing DNA re-alignment in stem cells taken from human prostate cancers.

Early-onset baldness in African-American men may be linked to prostate cancer

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Baldness was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer among African-American men, and risk for advanced prostate cancer increased with younger age and type of baldness, according to new research.

How some prostate tumors resist treatment, and how it might be fixed

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:26:26 EDT

Researchers have discovered that the protein Siah2 keeps a portion of androgen receptors constantly active, allowing prostate cancer cells to resist treatment. Based on this new information, Siah2 could make a promising biomarker for tracking a prostate cancer patient's response to therapy. Inhibiting Siah2's interaction with the androgen receptor complex might also provide a new method for re-sensitizing castration-resistant prostate tumors to hormone therapy.

New study evaluates incidence and mortality of prostate cancer after termination of PSA-based screening

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:27:27 EDT

Men who participate in biennial PSA based screening have a lower risk of being diagnosed as well as dying from prostate cancer up to 9 years after their last PSA test, according to the results of a new study.

Surgery is superior to radiotherapy in men with localized PCa

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:47:47 EDT

Surgery offers better survival benefit for men with localized prostate cancer, according to a large observational study.

Financial incentives affect prostate cancer treatment patterns

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:08:08 EDT

According to a new study, prostate cancer patients of urologists who own expensive radiation equipment are more likely to receive radiation treatment in lieu of surgery than patients treated by urologists without an ownership stake in the equipment.

Focal therapy offers middle ground for some prostate cancer patients

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:46:46 EST

For men with low-risk prostate cancer, focal laser ablation treats just the diseased portion of the prostate rather than the entire gland. A phase 1 trial found it was safe. None of the nine men in the study had a significant side effect. Seven of the nine patients had no evidence of disease six months later.

Novel small molecules used to visualize prostate cancer

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:11:11 EST

Two novel radiolabeled small molecules targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen have excellent potential for further development as diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, according to new research. The imaging agents -- 123I-MIP-1072 and 123I-MIP-1095 -- were shown to have a high sensitivity of lesion detection in bone, soft tissue and the prostate gland with minimal retention in non-target tissue.

Potential of large studies for building genetic risk prediction models

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:32:32 EST

Scientists have developed a new paradigm to assess hereditary risk prediction in common diseases, such as prostate cancer.

First study to analyze 25 yrs of data after radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:13:13 EST

A new study has analyzed 25 years of follow-up data after radiation therapy treatment for prostate cancer patients.

Virus shows promise as prostate cancer treatment

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:31:31 EST

A recombinant Newcastle disease virus kills all kinds of prostate cancer cells, including hormone resistant cells, but leaves normal cells unscathed, according to a new article. A treatment for prostate cancer based on this virus would avoid the adverse side effects typically associated with hormonal treatment for prostate cancer, as well as those associated with cancer chemotherapies generally.

Mushroom-supplemented soybean extract shows therapeutic promise for advanced prostate cancer

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:20:20 EST

A natural, nontoxic product called genistein-combined polysaccharide, or GCP, which is commercially available in health stores, could help lengthen the life expectancy of certain prostate cancer patients, researchers have found.

Role of radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:40:40 EST

Even in the presence of screening, there is benefit to radical prostatectomy (RP) in prostate cancer patients, however, the benefit is limited to a subgroup of patients and can take years to become evident according to a study.

One disease, two mechanisms: genetic root to early-onset prostate cancer identified

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:48:48 EST

While prostate cancer is the most common cancer in elderly Western men it also, but more rarely, strikes patients aged between 35 and 50. Scientists have discovered that such early-onset prostate cancers are triggered by a different mechanism from that which causes the disease at a later age. Their findings might have important consequences for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in younger patients.

Exercise linked with reduced prostate cancer risk in Caucasians but not African-Americans

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:10:10 EST

A new study suggests that exercise may reduce Caucasian men's risk of developing prostate cancer. And among Caucasian men who do have prostate cancer, exercise may reduce their risk of having more serious forms of the disease. Unfortunately, the benefits do not seem to apply to African-American men.

Novel radiation therapy method shortens prostate cancer treatment time

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:44:44 EST

The use of volume-modulated arc therapy to deliver intensity-modulated radiation therapy to prostate cancer patients results in an overall reduction in treatment time of approximately 14 percent, a new study suggests.

Eating deep-fried food linked to increased risk of prostate cancer

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:28:28 EST

Regular consumption of deep-fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, and the effect appears to be slightly stronger with regard to more aggressive forms of the disease, according to a new study.

Emotional stress reduces effectiveness of prostate cancer therapies in animal model

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:20:20 EST

Not surprisingly, a cancer diagnosis creates stress. And patients with prostate cancer show higher levels of anxiety compared to other cancer patients. A new study indicates that stress is not just an emotional side effect of the diagnosis; it also can reduce the effectiveness of prostate cancer drugs and accelerate the development of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer risk reduction in men taking dutasteride, but some concerns remain

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:16:16 EST

The four-year REDUCE (REduction by DUtasteride of prostate Cancer Events) clinical study evaluated prostate cancer risk reduction in men taking dutasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (5ARI) typically used to treat enlarged prostate. REDUCE results showed that dutasteride decreased the risk of biopsy detectable prostate cancer by 22.8 percent compared to a placebo group, but concerns remained about the drug's effectiveness.

Change in PSA levels over time can help predict aggressive prostate cancer

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:15:15 EST

Measurements taken over time of prostate specific antigen, the most commonly used screening test for prostate cancer in men, improve the accuracy of aggressive prostate cancer detection when compared to a single measurement of PSA, according to a new study.

High fiber diet prevents prostate cancer progression, study shows

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:20:20 EST

The rate of prostate cancer occurrence in Asian cultures is similar to the rate in Western cultures, but in the West, prostate cancer tends to progress, whereas in Asian cultures it does not. Why? A University of Colorado Cancer Center study published in the January 2013 issue of the journal Cancer Prevention Research shows that the answer may be a high-fiber diet.

How prostate cancer therapies compare by cost and effectiveness

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:34:34 EST

The most comprehensive retrospective study ever conducted comparing how the major types of prostate cancer treatments stack up to each other in terms of saving lives and cost effectiveness have been reported.

Updated tool now available to predict prostate cancer spread

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 07:30:30 EST

Prostate cancer experts have developed an updated version of the Partin Tables, a tool to help men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their doctors to better assess their chance of a surgical cure.

Some men complaint of shortened penis following prostate cancer treatment

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:05:05 EST

Researchers at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center report a small percentage of men in a prostate cancer study complained that their penis seemed shorter following treatment, causing them to regret the type of treatment they chose.

New pathways that drive metastatic prostate cancer identified

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:33:33 EST

Elevated levels of Cyclin D1b could function as a novel biomarker of lethal metastatic disease in prostate cancer patients.

Game-changing diagnostic and prognostic prostate cancer genetic tests developed

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:39:39 EST

Researchers have developed potentially game-changing diagnostic and prognostic genetic tests shown to better predict prostate cancer survival outcomes and distinguish clinically-relevant cancers.

Preventing prostate cancer through androgen deprivation may have harmful effects

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:19:19 EST

Mice deficient in PTEN in the prostate developed stable precancers. Androgen deprivation promoted progression to invasive prostate cancer. Patients with PTEN-deficient prostate precancers may not benefit from androgen deprivation chemoprevention therapy.

Cancer study overturns current thinking about gene activation

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:15:15 EST

A new Australian study shows that large regions of the genome -- amounting to roughly 2 percent -- are epigenetically activated in prostate cancer. Regions activated contain many prostate cancer-specific genes, including PSA (prostate specific antigen) and PCA3, the most common prostate cancer markers. Until now, these genes were not known to be regulated epigenetically.

Enzyme linked to aggressive prostate cancer identified

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:14:14 EST

Researchers have identified an enzyme specifically linked to aggressive prostate cancer, and have also developed a compound that inhibits the ability of this molecule to promote the metastatic spread of the cancer.

PRT versus IMRT toxicity in Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:06:06 EST

There is no difference between proton radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy when comparing the toxicity among Medicare beneficiary patients with prostate cancer at 12 months post-treatment, according to a new study.

New culprit in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:23:23 EST

Scientists have discovered a molecular switch that enables advanced prostate cancers to spread without stimulation by male hormones, which normally are needed to spur the cancer's growth. They say that identifying the previously unknown protein function could serve as a treatment target for prostate cancers that are no longer controlled by hormone-blocking drugs.

Prostate cancer now detectable by imaging-guided biopsy

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:27:27 EST

Ground-breaking research by physicians and engineers demonstrates that prostate cancer can be diagnosed using image-guided targeted biopsy.

Longer life expectancy, aging population necessitate new strategies for prostate cancer care

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:59:59 EST

Medical researchers have described the modern state of prostate cancer care -- examining not only new drugs but entirely new classes of drugs that may be effective and well-tolerated in an aging population.

Drug shows promise in prostate cancer spread to bone: Tumors were reduced on bone scans, bone pain decreased after patients received cabozantinib

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:56:56 EST

A new drug demonstrated dramatic and rapid effects on prostate cancer that had spread to the bone, according to a new study.

COUP-TFII sparks prostate cancer progression

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:22:22 EST

Which cancers are essentially indolent and present no risk and which are life threatening? Which can be watched and which need aggressive treatment? A group of medical researchers think a receptor called COUP-TFII that they have long studied may point the way to an answer.