Prostate Cancer Awareness Week
(pcaw.org) has compiled newsbytes on the prostate. Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month is September, and Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, the
period set aside for free or low-cost screenings, runs September
13-19, 2004. Information about the Prostate is added weekly.
DisclaimerAlso see Archives for 2000,
2001 and 2002.
Newsbytes
Prostate Cancer Runs in Families
Having a brother with the disease boosts your risk the most.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512514
American Cancer Society Examines Cancer
Trends In Hispanic/Latino Americans
A report from the American Cancer Society finds Hispanic/Latino
Americans -the largest and fastest-growing minority in the United
States-have a unique cancer risk profile that requires a targeted
approach to prevention. The report finds Hispanic/Latino Americans
are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to develop and die from the
most common cancers, but have higher rates of certain other cancers
and are more likely to have cancer detected at a later stage.
Source: American Cancer Society, www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/20786/368948.html
Cancer Deaths Leveling Off
There's sobering news from the cancer front: Deaths appear to be
leveling off after several years of decline. For several types of
cancer, black patients are increasingly less likely to survive than
whites.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/20786/368918.html
Brothers of Those with Prostate Cancer
Face Highest Risk
Men with brothers who've had prostate cancer may face the greatest
hereditary risk for the disease.
That sobering news comes from a study published online Sept. 12 in
the International Journal of Cancer.
The study, led by the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia,
found a much greater risk associated with having a brother with
prostate cancer than having an affected father, or any other
combination of affected relatives.
The researchers reviewed nearly two dozen studies and found an
increased risk of prostate cancer for men with a family history of
the disease. The increased risk was 1.8, 2.1 and 2.9 times greater if
a man had a grandfather or uncle, father or brother, respectively,
who had prostate cancer.
"This study is the first to report a statistically higher risk
associated with having a brother with prostate cancer than having an
affected father," the study authors write.
The researchers suggest this strong link between brothers may be
related to environmental or occupational factors, dietary exposures,
or age of onset, which may reveal a stronger genetic risk.
Source: Robert Preidt, www.healthscout.com/news/1/515034/main.html
Deciphering Viagra's Heart Benefit
Study finds how impotence drug helps protect the heart.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512327
Men Choose Prostate Over Colon for Cancer
Screening
Many avoid colon screenings, although they save more lives.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512307
Bone Loss Prevention Drug Showing Promise
In Advanced Prostate Cancer
Oral sodium clodronate may slow the development of symptomatic bone
metastases and reduce the risk of death in men with advanced prostate
cancer, according to a randomized controlled trial in the September 3
issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute,
www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/20786/368906.html
Doctors Praise Robotics' Role In Prostate
Procedure
Sitting in front of a screen several feet from the operating table
Wednesday, Dr. David Lee grasped the hand controls of what looked
like a video game as he began removing his patient's prostate.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/20786/369001.html
Heavier Men May Have A Lower Risk Of
Prostate Cancer
Under certain conditions, heavier men have a lower risk of developing
prostate cancer than men who weigh less, according to a new
study.
Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute,
www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/20833/368401.html?d=dmtICNNews
Herbs That Fight Prostate Cancer
A mixture of 10 herbs -- available commercially -- has been shown to
fight prostate cancer in the test tube. Read on to get the full list
of ingredients and to learn why they're important for men with high
PSA levels and/or a family history of the disease.
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/56/65833.htm
Drug Prevents Prostate Cancer
Risk drops 25 percent with finasteride, say researchers, but there
are side effects of more aggressive tumors, impotence.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513841
A Gene That May Block Prostate Cancer's
Spread
Finding could lead to genetic therapies to treat variety of
cancers.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=513717
Lost Protein Key to Prostate
Treatment?
Northwestern researchers have found that a protein made in the body
is critical for normal prostate growth regulation and could hold a
key to treating prostate cancer. Researchers Jennifer Doll and
Veronica Stellmach found that mice that lack the protein pigment
epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) develop an enlarged prostate. They
then found little to no PEDF in human prostate cancer tissue samples.
The researchers then examined the effects of PEDF on cultured
prostate cancer cells. They found that PEDF triggered an increased
rate of prostate cancer cell death. To read more, go to
Source: www.northwestern.edu/univ-relations/media_relations/releases/2003_06/angiogenesis.html
Polymorphism May Be Associated With
Prostate Cancer Risk
People who carry a polymorphism in the 102V allele of the PON1 gene
may be at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, according
to a new study.
Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute,
www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/20786/365254.html?d=dmtICNNews
The average woman's
chance of dying of prostate cancer - 0.001%
You read it right: Women have prostates.
And they can even develop prostate cancer, although it's rarer than
rare.
Source: Men's
Health Magazine,
5/03
Lifestyle linked to prostate cancer
risk
In a six-year study of 1,117 patients with localised prostate cancer,
researchers from the University of Texas looked at prostate specific
antigen levels, the aggressiveness of the cancer - measured by a
biopsy Gleason score - and the size of the tumour. The researchers
discovered that patients with a high risk of progression were
significantly more likely to be obese, to exercise less than twice a
week and to not undergo annual prostate screening. On the contrary,
those with the lowest risk kept their weight down, undertook regular
exercise and were screened regularly for signs of the disease. "What
we are finding has positive implications for prostate cancer
prevention," according to Dr Mfon Cyrus-David of the university's
department of epidemiology. "It appears to be important that men
maintain a low body mass index, exercise to the point of sweating at
least two times a week, and are screened regularly for prostate
cancer," he says. The researchers emphasise that their conclusions
are preliminary and a follow-up study is needed to validate their
findings.
Source: Health Media Ltd
Thalidomide used in cancer
battle
Controversial drug thalidomide is proving a success helping
scientists in their fight to find a cure for prostate cancer. Around
20 terminally ill men showed signs of improvement on the drug, which
caused a national scandal in the 50s and 60s when thousands of
children were born with horrendous defects, many missing limbs. Now
researchers believe they are well on the way to finding a cure for
the disease which is the biggest cancer killer of men and claims
8,000 lives a year. The team is only the second in the world to use
the drug for prostate cancer - the first in America was unsuccessful
as patients suffered serious side effects because the dose was too
high. The Newcastle team now plan to use it on sufferers at an
earlier stage of disease to see if it will cure them. Lead researcher
Dr Marcus Drake, clinical lecturer in urology at the University of
Newcastle, said: "We are very excited about these findings. "Lung
cancer used to be the biggest killer of men but with smoking rates
going down death rates are going down and prostate cancer has taken
over.
Sea Slug could Save Lives in Britain's
Fight Against Prostate Cancer
A drug that is derived from a Hawaiian mollusc could save lives from
prostate cancer Experts from Cancer Research UK at Edinburgh
University are investigating the sea slug's anti-cancer properties in
order to understand how it could prove effective as a chemotherapy
drug.
Source: The Scotsman, www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
HRT Patches Helping Men With Prostate
Cancer
Hormone replacement patches normally used by menopausal women have
proved an effective treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer.
HRT led to a regression of disease in 20 patients and improved their
quality of life, said researchers who carried out a preliminary study
in London. Prostate cancer is fuelled by the male hormone
testosterone. When the disease spreads doctors try to hold it back by
reducing the impact of the hormone. Hormonal drugs are used to cut
production of testosterone or block its effect, and as a last resort
the testicles are removed. But these treatments have significant side
effects, including hot flushes, impotence, oesteoporosis, anaemia and
breast growth. Oestrogen pills can also reduce testosterone levels
but are too dangerous to use because of the risk of blood clotting.
Doctors at Hammersmith Hospital and Imperial College found that
within three weeks HRT patches reduced testosterone levels in the men
to a point normally achieved by castration. Blood flow was good and
bone density significantly stabilised or increased. Symptoms of the
"andropause" - the male equivalent of the female menopause - were
prevented, and quality of life generally improved. Prostate cancer
generally affects men in their sixties or seventies, but doctors are
seeing increasing numbers of middle-aged patients. It is the second
most common cancer in men, with 24,700 people diagnosed each year in
Britain. Of these, about half will die from the disease.
Source: World Entertainment News Network
Power Over Prostate
Men with localised prostate cancer may be able to stop the disease
progressing if they maintain normal weight, exercise strenuously at
least twice a week and have routine screenings, according to the
preliminary findings of a University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer
Centre study which looked at the lifestyle of 1117 men over six
years. Lead author Dr Mfon Cyrus-David says: ``What we are finding
has positive implications for prostate cancer prevention.'' He
stressed the results needed to be validated with a follow-up
study.
Fosamax Type Osteoporosis Drugs Noted to
Cause Serious Eye Problems
Drugs commonly prescribed to osteoporosis and cancer patients may
cause serious inflammation in several regions of the eye in some
patients. Researchers hope the finding will make physicians more
likely to monitor patients for such eye problems as well as prompt
drug companies to add warning labels to their products. Two
medications in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which are
often used to increase bone density in patients with osteoporosis,
were found to cause the serious side effects in the eyes of some
patients. The drugs are also prescribed to cancer patients, as lung,
breast or prostate cancer that has spread to the bones can also
decrease bone density. Researchers reviewed thousands of cases in
which patients were prescribed bisphosphonates and tracked 314
patients who also reported eye problems. Although the side effects
were rare and did not occur in most patients, some types of eye
inflammation can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
Of the patients who reported side effects, close to 100 suffered from
blurred vision. Other problems included pain and swelling.
Researchers noted that the side effects went away when patients
stopped taking the medication. New England Journal Medicine March
20,2003;348(12):1187-8
Source: Optimal Wellness Center / Mercola.com
The role of endothelin axis in
cancer therapy merits further investigation
According to recent research from the United States, "Collectively,
the endothelins and their receptors-referred to as the endothelin
(ET) axis-have key physiological functions in normal tissue, acting
as modulators of vasomotor tone, tissue differentiation, development,
cell proliferation and hormone production. "Based on new data, the ET
axis also functions in the growth and progression of various tumors,"
wrote J. Nelson and colleagues, University of Pittsburgh, School of
Medicine. The researchers concluded: "Preliminary results from
clinical trials, such as those with atrasentan, an ETA-receptor
antagonist in prostate cancer, are encouraging. The place of
ETA-receptor antagonists in cancer therapy for a range of
malignancies merits further investigation." Nelson and colleagues
published their study in Nature Reviews. Cancer (The endothelin axis:
Emerging role in cancer. Nature Rev Cancer, 2003;3(2):110-116).
Source: NewsRx.com
A man thing
I am writing to ask your readers to join me and support Man Alive
2003 – Cancer Research UKs mens cancer awareness initiative,
which will be running from May 12 until June 15, 2003.
The aim of this campaign is to raise £300,000 for research
into cancers that affect men, as well as raising awareness among men
about cancer and encouraging them to take care of their health.
One in three men in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some
point in their lives – almost 130,000 every year, with prostate
cancer the most common type. Cancer Research UK supports a broad
programme of research into these cancers: their causes and
development, prevention, early detection, treatment and quality of
life of patients, funded almost entirely by public support and
donations. Call 08701 602040 or register online at www.cancerresearchuk.org/manalive
now to receive a fundraising pack and have fun raising money and
saving lives. Sir Ian Holm, "Lord of the Rings" star.
Source: Newsquest (Wiltshire) Ltd
Sequence Matters When Using Novel
Agent
An experimental agent that targets a cancer cell's protein shredding
machinery (the proteasome) should be given either before or with
taxane-based chemotherapy drugs, but not after, say researchers at
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center who conducted
laboratory tests using prostate cancer cells. The finding is
important because the new therapy, known as PS-341 (Velcade), will
likely be tried as new treatment for a number of cancers due to its
effectiveness in multiple myeloma, says Christos Papandreou, M.D.,
Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of Genitourinary Medical
Oncology. "It appears PS-341 could become quite a hit as a novel
proteasome inhibitor, a drug that increases the effectiveness of
chemotherapy agents," Papandreou says. "We know that while the
sequence it is used in doesn't matter with certain classes of
chemotherapy drugs, it does with others. Hopefully, future clinical
trials will reflect this new understanding." The findings were
published in the Proceedings for the 2003 Annual Meeting of the
American Association for Cancer Research
Source: NEWSWISE/Medical News
NASA's Solution for Urine Control Could
Help Fighter Pilots Avoid Urinal Bags; New Product Helps Men Stay Dry
Despite Circumstance or Incontinence
Flying faster than the speed of sound in a $23 million F-16, our
fighter pilots have to saturate in a diaper (for women) or take aim
at a urinal-type bag (for men). NASA astronauts have come up with a
better way. Using a product produced by Tampa Bay-based BioDerm Inc.,
the astronauts can stay clean and dry and can go about their tasks.
The External Continence Device (ECD) for men fits only to the tip of
the penis with a special hydrocolloid material. Hydrocolloid is a
skin-friendly material that bonds like a second skin and is typically
used in treating wounds. The ECD seals gently yet very securely and
adheres for approximately 24 hours. Urine immediately flows into a
tube and then a leg bag. Skin stays dry. See www.bioderm-inc.com "Our
customers are NASA astronauts and men with spinal cord injury,
multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, recent surgery or other
medical conditions who want to stay active," said Dr. Dennis Kay, CEO
of BioDerm. "They are traveling salesmen, judges, engineers,
executives and hunters. The product gives them freedom. And we can
help fighter pilots, too."
Source: PR Newswire. For information, visit
the
www.BioDerm-Inc.com
or call 800.373.7006
New Results in Breast and Prostate Cancer
Models Show Potential of ARIUS Antibodies-Tumor Suppression and
Increased Survival Following Treatment ARIUS Research Inc.
ARIUS Research Inc. announced today that the proceedings of the 94th
annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
will publish successful pre-clinical study results for three of their
novel anti-cancer antibodies. AR7BD-33-11A and AR1A245.6 have met a
number of significant endpoints including preventing development of
breast and prostate cancers in tumor prevention models and halting
tumor growth in a different, established tumor model. These
antibodies also significantly improved survival in animal models of
human cancer. A third antibody, AR7BDI-58, suppressed development of
another kind of breast cancer.
Source: Canada NewsWire
Inhibitors of Novel Cancer Target
Attack Tumor on Two Fronts-AACR Proceedings Highlight Research of
LPAAT-beta Inhibition By Cell Therapeutics, Inc. in Human Cell
Models
In a plenary minisymposium on intracellular signaling published in
the April 2003 issue of the Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the
American Association for Cancer Research, Cell Therapeutics, Inc.
presented data on a novel cancer target, LPAAT-beta. The data suggest
that the inhibition of LPAAT-beta may impede the growth of tumors on
two fronts, by restricting the growth of supporting tissues such as
blood vessels and by removing a cofactor essential to tumor cell
growth and proliferation. Existing therapies typically use a single
mechanism to fight cancer, whereas, LPAAT-beta inhibitors appear to
have a dual function. In the published proceedings, CTI highlighted
research on signaling pathways which showed that inhibition of
LPAAT-beta by genetic knockdown with RNAi or with specific inhibitors
of the enzyme leads to tumor cell death through apoptosis. CTI's
research also suggests the enzyme plays an important role in cell
types that are critical in the formation of the support tissues
(stroma) and the abnormal blood vessels which support tumor growth
and provide tumor blood supply. "The discovery of a gene product that
has critical functions in the regulation of the Raf and other
cancer-related pathways as well as in the tissues supporting the
tumor is intriguing and suggests LPAAT-beta inhibition may be
particularly effective in treating cancer where therapies that use
only a single mechanism for fighting cancer have failed," said Jack
W. Singer, M.D. and Research Program Chair of CTI.
Source: PR Newswire
HRT Patches for Men: They help
in prostate cancer fight
Hormone patches normally worn by women to relieve menopausal symptoms
are helping men fight prostate cancer. They cut the supply of the
male hormone testosterone, which can encourage the growth of cancer
cells, according to experts.
Source: Daily Mail.
www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
External Beam Radiotherapy can Relieve
Metastatic Bone Pain
"We have performed a clinical study to evaluate the relationship of
response to EBRT in terms of pain relief and improvement in quality
of life (QoL). We were also interested in the incidence of acute
toxicity with EBRT. We have prospectively evaluated 75 patients
(median age 68 years, range 64-79 years) with bone metastases from
prostate cancer treated with EBRT, radiographically documented from
June 1999 to September 2000," wrote G. Di Lorenzo and colleagues,
University of Naples.
Source: Cancer Weekly, www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Prostate Cancer Patients with Highest
Risk of Progression
Based on a large study of prostate cancer patients, researchers are
finding that maintaining a normal body mass index, frequent physical
activity and screening before diagnosis appear to be important in
stopping prostate cancer from progressing.
Source: Newswise/ Medical News,
www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
A New Photosensitizer Advances
the Use of Photodynamic Therapy for Cancer
A new photosensitizer known as Pd-bacteriopheophorbide (TOOKAD)
improves the efficacy of photodynamic therapy against small cell
carcinoma of the prostate. "Small cell carcinoma of the prostate
(SCCP), although relatively rare, is the most aggressive variant of
prostate cancer, currently with no successful treatment," explained
Natalia V. Koudinova and colleagues of the Weizmann Institute of
Science in Rehovot, Israel.
Source: Angiogenesis
Weekly,www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Arthritis Drug Suppresses Cancer
Deveopment by Stopping Action of Key Protein
Before this study, scientists had linked use of celecoxib capsules
(commonly known as Celebrex) to prevention of cancer, but the way in
which the medication acted in cancer cells was unknown. Now,
investigators have found that celecoxib capsules stop a key
transcription factor known as Sp1 from turning on multiple genes in
cancer cells known to be associated with cancer growth. One of those
genes triggers production of vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF), the predominant angiogenic factor that leads blood vessels to
grow to feed tumors.
Source: Datamonitor Healthcare Newswire,
www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Emory University to Lead $10 million
Project
The Winship Cancer Institute (WCI) of Emory University has been
awarded a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
Prostate Cancer Research Program. The grant will fund development of
a new prostate cancer research consortium consisting of 13
universities from eight states over 3 years. Led by Jonathan Simons,
MD, director of the Winship Cancer Institute (WCI) and Leland Chung,
PhD, director of Emory's Molecular Urology and Therapeutics Program
and a Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Scholar, the consortium
will work to identify entirely new therapeutic targets and concepts
for effective treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Source: Cancer Weekly, www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Pharmagenesis enters Agreement for
Anticancer Drug based on Chinese Herbs
Pharmagenesis, Inc., has signed an agreement with Pierre Fabre
Medicament (PFM), a European company that has pioneered the use of
natural extracts for pharmaceutical and dermatological products, to
license PG490-88Na, a patented derivative of a compound from a plant
widely used in Chinese medicine. Preclinical studies have shown that
using PG490-88Na can significantly inhibit growth of a broad range of
human tumor cells.
Source: Pharma Business Week,www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Researchers Detect the PSA-RP2 Variant in
Prostate Tissue
"PSA (prostate-specific antigen), the most useful serum marker for
prostate cancer, is encoded by the hKLK3 gene and is present in the
serum as a mixture of several molecular species," researchers in
France report.
Source: Cancer Weekly, www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
The Antioxidant Serum
Micronutrient Gamma-Tocopherol Apperas to Lower Risk
Large cohorts of normal men were tested for serum micronutrients and
followed for prostate cancer development; gamma-tocopherol
concentrations in serum appeared protective.
Source: Cancer Weekly, www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-II is a
Target for Cancer Gene Therapy
According to a study from the United States, "towards understanding
the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system during cancer growth and
progression, progressive prostate cancer models, such as SV40 large T
antigen immortalized human prostate epithelial cells (P69, M2182,
M2205, and M12) and LNCaP sublines (C4, C4-2, and C4-2B4), were
used." "IGF-II mRNA levels progressively increase as prostate cancer
cells become more tumorigenic and metastatic, suggesting that IGF-II
contributes in part to prostate cancer progression," said N. Guo and
coauthors, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research
Institute.
Source: Cancer Weekly, www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Selective Inhibition of the ETS2 Gene shows
the Potential for Stopping Cancer
"The transcription factor Ets2 has a role in cancer development and
represents an attractive therapeutic target. In this study, we
designed a triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO) directed to a
homopurine:homopyrimidine sequence in the Ets2 promoter.
Transcription factors of the Sp family bound to this sequence and
mutation of the Sp1 site reduced Ets2 promoter activity," according
to recent research from the United States.
Source: Cancer Weekly, www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Androgen Suppression Can be
Discontinued in Some Prostate Cancer Patients
Withdrawing from hormonal therapy appears safe for elderly patients
with advanced prostate cancer who are asymptomatic and have achieved
an undetectable PSA level after prolonged androgen blockade,
according to a report from the Washington Hospital Center in
Washington, DC.
Source: Reuters Health
Hybrid Cancer Therapy
A group of scientists at the Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has
designed a "hybrid" anticancer compound by combining the potency of a
traditional anticancer drug that targets cancer tumors with a
long-lasting antibody.
Source: ScienceDaily
For Cancer Cures, the Future Starts
Now
Key advances in drugs, vaccines, radiology treatment and genetics may
eventually cure cancer. In the meantime, improved treatments are
helping make many cancers manageable diseases instead of death
sentences.
Source: Miami Herald
A New Way to Target Cancer Cells
Researchers from the University of Utah and the National Cancer
Institute developed an experimental drug that reacts with a substance
inside cancer cells, releasing nitric oxide to kill the cells or slow
their growth without harming healthy cells.
Source: Newswise
Study Offers New Insights Into
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
In working to halt the overgrowth of blood vessels that feed
cancerous tumors, the antiangiogenic molecules endostatin and
tumstatin take two distinct and very different tactics, according to
a study from the Center for Matrix Biology at Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center (BIDMC). The findings suggest these two agents
combined may prove more effective in battling cancer than either one
used separately.
Source: Newswise
Can Genetic Research Yield Cancer
Cure?
Scientists can now isolate the genetic markers of cancer to find the
ones that trigger the tumor. By testing drugs against those trigger
genes to see how they react, scientists may create individualized
cancer treatments and find the shared genetic characteristics between
such diseases as lung, colon and breast cancer. This type of research
has already led to the development of the highly effective leukemia
drug Gleevec, which targets cancer cells, while leaving healthy
tissue intact and causing few side effects.
Source: HealthScoutNews Reporter
The Prostate Workout
"Use it or lose it" is good advice when it comes to keeping your
mental skills sharp and your body in shape, but can you buff up your
prostate with frequent, regular ejaculations?
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/62/71595.htm
The Truth About the Tests You'd Rather
Skip
PSAs and colonoscopies -- no guy looks forward to these screenings. A
new study says which of these two tests is more effective -- and it's
not the one you're most likely to get.
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/62/71648.htm
Idea for Prostate Treatment Based on Breast
Cancer Discovery
This study is based on earlier findings that tumor cells exposed to
very low levels of oxygen become resistant to the killing effects of
anticancer drugs. Reduced oxygen levels contribute to the drug
resistance by blocking the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the
tumor cells.
Source: www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Fighting Cancer with a Vaccine?
In a new approach to fighting cancer, researchers are working to
develop vaccines to stimulate the immune system to destroy malignant
cells, without the severe side effects that often accompany radiation
and chemotherapy. Clinical trials are under way to test dozens of
vaccines for melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia and cancers of the colon,
breast, prostate, kidney and pancreas. No cancer vaccines are in
general use yet, but several are in the final stages of testing
before they go before the federal Food and Drug Administration for
approval. One vaccine already has been approved in Canada.
Source: www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Causes of Prostate Cancer Still "Poorly
Understood"
Professor Henrik Gronberg, from Sweden's Umea University, raised his
concerns in a review of the epidemiology of prostate cancer,
published in The Lancet. Describing the difficulties in
understanding the disease, Prof Gronberg said many epidemiological
studies relating to diet were "mostly conflicting and negative".
However, he said there was some consensus over the relationship
between diet and prostate cancer, with an association made between
high intakes of alpha-linolenic acid - a polyunsaturated fatty acid
found in vegetables and diary products - and calcium.
Source: www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
A Very Male Dilemma
When it comes to prostate cancer, the cure can be worse than the
disease. It's left doctors divided and the public confused, writes
Julie Robotham. ON THE face of it, there is nothing to argue about.
From medicine's conservatives right through to its most gung-ho
experimentalists, everyone says the same thing: a prostate cancer
screening-test should be available to any man who wants it, but that
nobody should be urged to take it because its possible benefits are
not sufficiently clear, especially when weighed against the side
effects of treatment. So what caused the extraordinary feud that
reignited this week over the question of just how much information a
man needs before he can soundly make that decision?
Source: www.ustoo.org/screamoutput/index.html
Freedom WITH Incontenence - External
Incontinence Device Available
According to studies at the University of Washington and New York
University Medical Center, urinary incontinence is a long-term
problem for more than ten percent of patients who have a radical
prostatectomy.1, 2 That percentage is probably low because many men
struggle on their own without consulting their doctors. How much do
doctors really understand about the day-to-day challenges and stress
of living with incontinence? And it is not much comfort knowing that
more than seven percent of all adults are incontinent. For the full
story:
Source: www.ustoo.org/FreedomWithIncontinence.pdf
Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer
(AIPC)
A study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative new
treatment (an endothelin receptor antagonist) in reducing bone pain
experienced by men with AIPC, who are currently taking narcotic pain
medication, yet despite this, are still experiencing pain.
Men who are interested and eligible (upon medical assessment) to
take part in the treatment study will also be asked to keep a pain
and medication diary, and complete questionnaires to contribute
towards a better understanding, and hopefully improved treatments,
for others suffering from the pain resulting from AIPC. Call 866 837
9335.
Source: www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/stu42542.html
Yearly Prostate Cancer Testing Not Necessary
For Millions Of Men With Low Readings
A common blood-scanning test for prostate cancer, an annual
medical ritual for millions of older men, can safely be done less
frequently for the majority who have low readings, a major study
concludes.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9105/342/350221.html
Editor's Warning
Label: I have a test every year. At
60 everything was fine. At 61, my PSA was elevated and I had a
biopsy. No trace of cancer. At 62 it was elevated again. I had
another biopsy, it was in four nodes and I had a Gleason of 3+3. Most
states require a doctor to sign the order to draw blood. In Oregon,
it costs $12 to draw it at the hospital, and $38.00 to send it out to
an outside lab and get results. A Free PSA is another $30,
which, if your PSA is over 4.0 gives you another indicator of
possible cancer. An AMAS blood test indicates whether or not it
has metastasized and cost the drawing fee, an overnight shipping
charge in dry ice (mine was $42 from Oregon to Boston), and $135 for
the actual blood test. I'd say that's pretty cheap. If your under 70
and the medical community tells you that what they can do for you
really won't improve your life or extend it much, and that chances
are you'll die of something else first, get a second opinion.
Alternative Medicine's have positive results. Surgery and radiation
extend most men's lives 10 or more years. And, while men in the
higher risk categories are, in fact, at higher risk, I understand
that less than 10% of the men who die from prostate cancer, not a
painless death, are not in the high risk category. I would recommend
the following: If you're over 40, get a PSA test. If the reading
is between zero and 1, get another test in five years.. If it's
between 1-2, get another one in two years, if it's over 2, get a test
every year. If it's over 4, have some other tests done, like the
PSA Free, before a possible biopsy. And start gathering all the
knowledge you can on your possible options.
Source: www.pcaw.org
Greater Height Associated With Increased
Risk Of Prostate Cancer Over Age 50
Greater height appeared to be positively associated with
subsequent risk of prostate cancer in men over age 50, according to a
study presented at the national meeting of the American College of
Preventive Medicine Meeting in San Diego.
Source: American College of Preventive Medicine,
www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/20786/361511.html
A Prospective Study Of Body Size
Parameters And Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Using data from the Physicians Health Study of 22,071 men in the
U.S., investigators looked at self-reports from 1,634 prostate cancer
patients. They were trying to determine the relationship between body
size parameters (height, weight, body mass index), plus age, to the
risk of prostate cancer.
Source: American College of Preventive Medicine,
www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/20786/361389.html
Japanese Emperor Admitted To
Hospital
Emperor Akihito was admitted to a Tokyo hospital Thursday for an
operation for prostate cancer this weekend, the Imperial Household
Agency said.
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/360137.html
Providers Need Increased Awareness Of
Patients' "Self-Treating" With Supplements
A survey of more than 45,000 men and women suggests vitamin and
mineral supplements are especially popular among certain groups of
Americans, some of whom may be using them to self-treat health
conditions.
Source: Center for the Advancement of Health,
www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/20786/359743.html
Editor: We have a concern that the Center has more interest
in controlling individuals self-care and may only want the
information to bring those supplements under FDA approval, which
means they will be taken off the market. It will effectively force us
to go out of the control for reasonable health care concerning the
prostate or forced to use the only treatment allowed by law - at
least in California - surgery, radiation or hormone therapy.
* * *
The 1990 Unofficial Census reported more than 20.5 million Americans
wear diapers.11 million of them adults.
Approvimately 90% of adults can be treated or cured of
incontinence but haven't sought professional help.
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