Cancer News: Prostate
Personalized prostate cancer treatment goes beyond Gleason scores
Researchers shift focus to prostate tumor genomic analysis to identify the best treatment among radiation, surgery, or other therapy.
New prostate cancers drugs may be missing the tumor's root cause
Some of the latest prostate cancer drugs target a type of cells which may not be driving the tumor's growth, as previously thought.
Prostate cancer biopsy by 3D mapping technology more effective than ultrasound
3D mapping biopsies for prostate cancer were found more effective in location tumors, and a new study reports the locations that ultrasound-guided biopsies miss.
Novel prostate cancer treatment for metastasis to the bones
A US hospital has began treatments to prostate cancer patients whose tumor has spread to the bones, using a recently approved radioactive agent called Xofigo.
Prostate cancer genetics discovery could improve treatment options
A possible explanation for relapse after hormone therapy for prostate cancer was provided by genes. This may lead to more tailored treatment for some patients.
Proton therapy boosts prostate cancer survival and quality of life
99% of men after receiving proton therapy for early- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer have no evidence of disease and enjoy excellent quality of life. 76% with high-risk enjoy the same benefits.
Screening for advanced prostate cancer possible by genetics
Gene mutations in men with family history of prostate cancer can identify those at high risk. This discovery can lead to active monitoring for early detection.
Genetic screening can identify advanced prostate cancer risk
Genetic screening of men with a family history of prostate cancer can identify those at high risk of aggressive forms of the disease, and suggest monitoring.
Lack of physical activity not clearly tied to prostate cancer risk
Sedentary behavior (ie without significant physical activity) does not clearly increase prostate cancer risk, based on a large scale analysis of 170,481 men.
Localized prostate cancer: higher dose radiation improves outcomes
Higher radiotherapy doses reduced the need for follow-up hormone-deprivation therapy for localized prostate cancer patients, in 10 year results of a phase 3 trial. The trial was the largest one of its kind.
Could prostate cancer be predicted by substance found in urine?
Levels of a substance called “Bisphenol A” (BPA) in men’s urine could be a marker of prostate cancer. BPA is a common pollutant with estrogen activity.
Surgery for prostate cancer outperforms watchful waiting
A new study focusing on prostate cancer showed that younger patients who undergo surgery have lower mortality rates compared to those who choose not to.
New test for prostate and bladder cancer licensed
A new licensing agreement will bring to the market a new test for early detection of prostate and bladder cancers. The test is based on the EN2 biomarker.
Early stage prostate cancer is better treated by surgery
Prostatectomy is better for patients with early stage prostate cancer, compared to “watchful waiting”. This topic still attracts much debate among researchers.
Prostate cancer prognosis improved by PSA testing & early treatment
Prostate cancer mortality is 20% lower in areas with frequent use of PSA testing, compared with areas with little testing, according to a study.
New prostate cancer radiotherapy treatment may be riskier
Stereotactic radiotherapy for treating prostate cancer, although faster and less expensive than standard radiotherapy, may cause more urinary complications.
Androgen deprivation for early prostate cancer found ineffective
Early stage prostate cancer patients who received androgen deprivation as their primary treatment instead of surgery or radiation, did not get any benefit.
Prostate cancer: brachytherapy and erectile function
Permanent brachytherapy (a procedure placing radioactive sources inside the prostate) preserves erectile function in almost 50% of prostate cancer patients.
New prostate cancer detection method reduces discomfort
A new, patient-friendly examination for prostate cancer has been developed. It drastically reduces the need for biopsies, while also being less costly.
Prostate cancer recurrence accurately predicted genetically
Researchers claim to have created a test which can predict whether a man is at high risk of prostate cancer recurrence. The basis is men's genetic signature.
Prostate cancer risk of growth reduced by hormonal treatment
Patients with prostate cancer confined to the gland, but at risk of growing and spreading, benefit by radiotherapy combined with androgen deprivation therapy.
Prostate cancer tests may underestimate aggressiveness
Half of 415 prostate cancer cases, classified as "slow growing" before surgery via grading and staging, were found to be more aggressive post-operation.
Prostate cancer recurrence lower in blood type "O" patients
A man’s blood type may affect risk of prostate cancer recurrence after surgery. Specifically, patients with blood type "O" had a significantly decreased risk.
Vitamin D deficiency may predict aggressive prostate cancer
Vitamin D levels has been tied to a number of health aspects. A new study suggests that low vitamin D levels can predict aggressive prostate cancer risk.
Prostate cancer patients' testosterone levels predict progression
Low testosterone levels in low-risk prostate cancer patients may indicate worsening of their disease, leading doctors to prescribe more aggressive treatment.
Robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery in older men: not safer
Minimally invasive robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is as safe as open surgery for patients over age 65, but it is more expensive.
Carbohydrates and fiber may lower prostate cancer risk
A diet rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber was associated with lower prostate cancer risk, according to an analysis of medical records showed.
Radiotherapy for prostate cancer may lead to bladder or rectal cancer
Men who received radiation therapy for prostate cancer were more likely to develop bladder or rectal cancer, compared to those patients treated otherwise.
Promise against metastatic prostate cancer from treatment in trial
Overall survival for metastatic prostate cancer patients improved by more than a year when they received docetaxel at the start of androgen deprivation therapy.
Docetaxel scheme effective for some prostate cancer patients
A phase 3 study shows that adding the chemotherapy drug docetaxel to standard hormone therapy extends survival for men with prostate cancer by about 10 months.