Prostate Health Newsbytes

Menstuff® has compiled Newsbytes on Prostate Health. See our complete listing of Health Issues (emotional, physical, psychological, sexual and additions) and related information on a Testicular Self Exam. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is September, and Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, the period set aside for free screenings, runs September 15-21, 2008. Information about the Prostate will change daily during this period at "Today" at our homepage.


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Soy Products

For those who are at an increased risk of breast or prostate cancer, you may want to skip too much of soy - its phyto-estrogens can act similarly to the body’s own estrogen (which has been shown to feed some hormone-dependent tumors).

Fast Surgery Not Needed for Prostate Cancer

After a positive biopsy result for prostate cancer, surgery does not need to be performed immediately, at least as far as the risk of recurrence is concerned, according to a report in the urology journal BJU International. Researchers followed 4000 men after radical prostatectomy, and found no relationship between how long men waited before surgery and risk of recurrence, even for men at high risk of recurrence. Related link: www.FightProstateCancer.org

Mega Multivitamins and Prostate Cancer

Men who take too many multivitamins may be increasing their risk of dying from prostate cancer, according to new research from the National Cancer Institute.

Taking a multivitamin more than seven times a week was associated with a 30% increased risk of advanced prostate cancer and a doubling of the risk of death from the disease in the study.

Regular multivitamin use (one to six times a week) did not appear to increase cancer risk, and excessive vitamin use was not associated with an increased risk of early, or localized, prostate cancer.

But there was also no evidence to suggest that taking multivitamins at any dosage helped prevent prostate cancer.

NCI researcher Michael F. Leitzmann, MD, PhD, tells WebMD that more research is needed to confirm the association and understand how vitamin and other dietary supplements affect cancer risk.

“Based on our findings, we would recommend that men adhere to recommendations for dietary supplements and consult with their physician before taking supplements in excessive doses,” he says.

More Questions About Safety

The new research is one of several recent studies suggesting a potential downside to vitamin supplementation in people who are generally well-nourished.

An analysis of 47 studies assessing antioxidant supplementation, published earlier this year, found a slight increase in deaths among people who took beta-carotene, vitamin E, or vitamin A supplements.

Christian Gluud, MD, who co-authored the analysis, tells WebMD that there is little evidence of a benefit for antioxidant supplementation and mounting evidence of potential harm.

“The idea that you can prevent disease by taking an antioxidant supplement is very attractive,” he says. “People want to believe it, and there is a great deal of marketing devoted to making them believe it.”

In the latest study, Leitzmann, co-author Karla Lawson, PhD, and NCI colleagues followed slightly more than 295,000 men enrolled in a diet and health study for five years.

During this time, 8,765 men in the study were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (cancer that hasn't spread beyond the prostate) and 1,476 with advanced prostate cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the prostate).

No link was seen between multivitamin use and localized prostate cancer.

The increase in advanced and fatal cancers was seen in men who took multivitamins more than seven times a week. The link was strongest among men with a family history of prostate cancer and men who also took selenium, beta-carotene, or zinc supplements.

Because the researchers had information on the use of some individual supplements but not others, they were not able to identify individual vitamins or doses associated with increased risk.

The study appears in the May 16 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Good Free Radicals?

In an editorial accompanying the study, Gluud and colleague Goran Bjelakovic, both of Copenhagen University Hospital, offer an intriguing hypothesis on the role of free radicals and antioxidant supplements in the promotion and prevention of disease.

The thinking has been that antioxidant vitamins protect against diseases like cancer and heart disease by reducing the free radicals that are thought to promote these conditions through oxidative stress.

But Gluud and Bjelakovic suggest that free radicals may do some good by targeting and killing harmful cells, such as those that cause cancers to grow.

“Antioxidant supplements [which decrease free radicals] may actually cause some harm,” they write. “Our diets typically contain safe levels of vitamins, but high-level antioxidant supplements could potentially upset an important physiologic balance.”

Though just a theory at this point, Gluud tells WebMD that it is one that deserves further study.

SOURCES: Lawson, K.A. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, May 16, 2007; vol 99: pp 754-764. Michael F. Leitzmann, MD, PhD, researcher, Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md. Christian Gluud, MD, DrMedSci, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. Bjelakovic, G. The Journal of the American Medical Association, Feb 28, 2007; vol 297: pp 842-857.
Source: www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20070515/mega-multivitamins-and-prostate-cancer?ecd=wnl_erd_051907

How Advanced Prostate Cancer Affects the Family

Patients aren't the only ones affected by prostate cancer. The disease also has a significant impact on those closest to them -- most often spouses. More than half of spouses told researchers in a recent survey that they take an active role in their husbands' experience. This includes boosting their husbands' morale, making sure treatments are taken properly, and assisting in treatment decisions.
Source: www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/prostate-cancer-family-impact?ecd=wnl_emw_032107

Betulinol

Preliminary tests show that betulonic acid, made from betulinol, may discourage human prostate cancer cells from dividing, and spur those cells to die. That's the early word based on research in mice. The compound, called betulinol, hasn't been tested on people.
Source: www.webmd.com/content/article/125/116079.htm

Medical Guesswork and Evidence Based Medicine

Dr. David Eddy, a doctor and mathematician, educates the Health Care industry on what we don't actually know about medical treatment. He investigates the sources of doctors' opinions about what works and what doesn't, often finding there is no basis for commonly held opinions.

Dr. Eddy advocates for something he calls "evidence-based medicine", which involves using mathematical models to analyze treatment outcomes, and educating doctors and patients about what really works.
Source: www.fightprostatecancer.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6889&JServSessionIdr012=qdl4b0h7l1.app7a

Researchers Make Vitamin E Offshoot a Potent Cancer Killer

Researchers have learned how a derivative of vitamin E can cause the death of cancer cells. The researchers then used that knowledge to make the agent an even more potent cancer killer.

The compound, called vitamin E succinate, or alpha tocopheryl succinate, is taken by some people as a nutritional supplement, mainly for its antioxidant properties. In addition, it has a weak ability to kill cancer cells, and it has been tested as a cancer chemopreventive agent.

Researchers found the substance was capable of attaching itself to excess Bcl-xL proteins, which exist normally, but are found in excess amounts in cancer tissue. After scientists changed the form of vitamin E to be able to attach to Bcl-xL at a higher rate, the substance killed cancer cells in lab samples at ten times the rate of normal vitamin E.
Source: www.fightprostatecancer.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6883&JServSessionIdr012=pgi5jlh9y6.app1a

Prostate Cancer Detected Early With RECAF Blood Test

RECAF cancer test detects initial stages of prostate cancer with 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity when compared to healthy individuals; and 68% sensitivity with 97% specificity when compared to men with benign prostate conditions.

Sensitivity is the ability of a test to detect existing cancers (if all patients who have a cancer test positive = 100% sensitivity.) Specificity represents how well the test avoids false positives (no false positives = 100% specificity.)

The makers of the RECAF test hope to develop easy blood tests doctors can use to find or rule out a wide range of cancers during a routine annual screening.
Source: www.fightprostatecancer.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6879&JServSessionIdr012=fo04pfh726.app14b

First Ever Prostate Cancer 'Report Card' for States

Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi and Wisconsin -- failed the first-ever prostate cancer report cards issued by the National Prostate Cancer Coalition. California, Connecticut, Kansas and New York received the best grades. On the report cards, the states are rated based on current prostate cancer screening rates, death rates, and whether they have laws guaranteeing insurance coverage for prostate cancer testing.
Source: www.fightprostatecancer.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6901&JServSessionIdr012=l0u5nagxd1.app14b

Fear Factor Sways Men With Prostate Cancer

We've all acted out of fear at one time or another, and that can be especially true for men making treatment decisions. Sound familiar?
Source: www.webmd.com/content/article/126/116211.htm

PSMA Predicts Prostate Cancer Recurrence

Levels of PSMA, prostate-specific membrane antigen, appear to have a strong relationship to recurrent prostate cancer after initial treatment. PSMA is like PSA, prostate-specific antigen, only it indicates the presence of the membrane proteins on the surface of prostate cancer cells.

Screening tests based on PSMA may increase the ability to predict which prostate cancers may return after treatment. PSMA has also been investigated as a possible target for delivering antibodies directly to cancer cells.
Source: www.fightprostatecancer.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6887&JServSessionIdr012=o4vikbh6h3.app14b

FDA Limits Tomato-related Health Claims

Producers of tomatoes, tomato sauce and dietary supplements containing lycopene - the substance that makes tomatoes red - will not be allowed to advertise claims that they reduce the risk of manuy forms of cancer. The FDA said it will allow a few heavily qualified health claims to appear on packages of tomatoes and tomato sauce. It has been claimed that the lycopene in tomatoes reduces the risk of several cancers, including prostate, color and breat cancer. FDA said many of the studies submitted as evidence were not conclusive.
Source: USA Today

Money Matters: Beating Prostate Cancer

Some men are more likely to survive prostate cancer than others. Find out why wealth could be a deciding factor.
Source: www.webmd.com/content/article/118/113085.htm

What is Orchiectomy Surgery

Orchiectomy is removal of the testicles, the male body's main source of testosterone, which prostate cancer usually needs to continue growing. Orchiectomy can be done as an outpatient procedure or with a short hospital stay. Regular activities are usually resumed within 1 to 2 weeks, and a full recovery can be expected within 2 to 4 weeks.
Source: my.webmd.com/hw/prostate_cancer/hw77950.asp?z=1066_107976_4057_HZ_06

Radiation: Is High Dose Better?

Increasing the dose of radiation therapy may lower the chances of prostate cancer's return.
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/111/110138.htm

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/EMIHC274/333/21291/368906.html?d=dmtICNNews

Prevent Cancer with Watermelon

One slice of watermelon is a sweet pick for your morning fruit serving. Because it contains so much water, watermelon is low in calories. One cup has only 50 calories! It is also packed with disease-fighting vitamins such as A, B65 and C, along with magnesium, folate and potassium - all important heart disease and cancer fighters. Folate also prevents birth defects. Finally, watermelon contains lots of lycopene, an important plant chemical that can lower your risk of certain cancers and help fight heart disease. (Note: The rine might be the best part. Juice it for the many nutrients it contains.)
Source: Jorge Cruise's 8 Minutes in the Morning, www.jorgecruise.com

Researchers Find Better Predictor Of Prostate Cancer Risk: Statistical Model Could Mean Fewer Biopsies

Performing a simple set of calculations for men who have abnormal PSA tests could help up to 24% of these men avoid an unnecessary biopsy of the prostate gland.
Source:  www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC274/333/24524/368634.html?d=dmtICNNews

Daily Red Wine Cuts Prostate Cancer Risk By Half

An apple a day keeps the doctor away and now drinking a glass of wine a day could keep prostate cancer at bay. Find out how just one glass of red wine a day could reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 50 percent.

Rise in PSA Level May Predict Cancer Death

There's a new red flag for men facing prostate cancer surgery: It's called PSA velocity.
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/90/100584.htm?action=related_link

Popular Painkiller May Slow Prostate Cancer

A commonly prescribed painkiller may slow prostate cancer growth, new research shows. Learn more.
Source my.webmd.com/content/article/88/100019.htm:

Disposable Miniature X-Ray Tubes for Brachytherapy

New disposable, miniature x-ray tubes are being developed for use in electronic brachytherapy, a local accelerated form of radiation therapy.

Several forms of brachytherapy are used to treat prostate and breast cancer. They offer safety and patient convenience, enabling patients to be treated in as little as one to five days. Conventional radiation therapy, in contrast, requires daily therapy for five to seven weeks. The new disposable miniature x-ray tubes are designed to offer even greater safety and ease of use by removing exposure to the radioactive isotopes now used.

Because the miniature x-ray tube is portable, does not require radiation-shielding, and may be turned on and off at the flip of a switch, it can provide radiation treatments in a typical operating room during surgery, states the company.

Investigators at Stanford University Medical Center have begun a clinical study that examines several approaches to the use of shorter courses of radiation therapy, including single-fraction, intra-operative radiation therapy. Results to date of intra-operative radiotherapy or five day courses of local radiation therapy in early-stage breast cancer suggest safety and efficacy may be equivalent to longer courses of radiation therapy, said Frederick M. Dirbas, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at Stanford.

High Dose Radiation for Prostate Cancer

High doses of radiation may be recommended for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. In a 10-year study at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, researchers found men treated with heavy doses of 3-D conformal radiation therapy remained relapse-free with minimal side effects. "Radiation dose has a significant impact on the outcome of patients. ... We continue to observe that even higher doses have further improved cure rates for patients with localized prostate cancer," said radiation oncologist Dr. Steven Leibel. The lack of severe and cumulative side effects, such as rectal or bladder injury, is most significant for men suffering from the disease and faced with ongoing treatment choices. "This dispels the notion that as time goes on the side effects become more noticeable and patients are more at risk for developing long-term damage years out from treatment," said Dr. Michael Zelefsky.

More Fruit, Veggies Key to Cancer Fight: Survey

Cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum pancreas, larynx, lungs and bladder all have "convincing or probable evidence for prevention by vegetable and fruit consumption," Cancer Care Ontario says. Esophagus, colon, rectum, breast, uterus and kidney cancers seem to be positively affected by maintaining a healthy body weight, and physical activity may combat cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, uterus and prostate. Cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum pancreas, larynx, lungs and bladder all have "convincing or probable evidence for prevention by vegetable and fruit consumption," Cancer Care Ontario says. Esophagus, colon, rectum, breast, uterus and kidney cancers seem to be positively affected by maintaining a healthy body weight, and physical activity may combat cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, uterus and prostate.

A Disappointing Distinction

The following are remarks by John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., chief executive officer, American Cancer Society, and president, International Union Against Cancer at the National Press Club

“We must also help more people get regular screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and increase the number of men who have access to information about the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening.”

So, ACS is all for promoting helping people get regular screening for breast, cervical and colorectal (no problem with that) but only increasing ‘access to information’ about screening for prostate cancer? Very disappointing to see such a continued huge distinction?

Developing a Model Diet
Dr. Harvey B. Simon, founding editor of the Harvard Men's Health Watch and a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, was questioned about a diet for healthy living. Simon's father was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 52, and his mother and uncles died of heart disease in their early 40s. The diet Simon follows includes: avoidance of animal fat, consumption of fish three or four times a week, plenty of vegetables and whole grains. He has bran cereal for breakfast and hummus on whole wheat bread for lunch. He takes a multivitamin, 81 milligrams of aspirin and 200 micrograms of selenium daily.

From biodefense to prostate cancer offense

Two molecular geneticists at the UC Davis Cancer Center have won $1.1 million in grants to turn biodefense technology into a new prostate cancer offense. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program.
Source: www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/8612575.htm

More Sexual Partners may Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer

Men should already know that sex with multiple partners, especially unprotected sex, can increase their risk of contracting HIV and various venereal diseases. They also can add that it may raise their odds of getting prostate cancer in middle age, according to a study published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Source: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/07/010704093535.htm

Vasectomy Does Not Increase Prostate Cancer Risk

Contrary to some earlier studies, a new study funded in part by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) found that men who undergo vasectomies are no more likely to develop prostate cancer than are men who do not.
Source: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/06/020619074253.htm

Hot flashes aren't just for menopausal women these days

Hot flashes no longer discriminate because of age or gender. New-wave drugs that tweak hormones - estrogen and its male cousin, testosterone - have turned up the heat on an age-old phenomenon. Men and women getting medical treatment for a variety of reasons - breast and prostate cancer prevention and fertility enhancement, for example - now break out in a sweat when they least expect it.
Source: www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/8612575.htm

Selenium may slow advanced prostate cancer

Men with higher levels of a nutritional mineral in their blood appear to have a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer, according to a new study. The researchers led by Dr. Haojie Li of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, showed that higher levels of the mineral selenium in the blood are associated with a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer, indicating that selenium could slow prostate cancer tumor progression.
Source: www.cancerfacts.com/Home_News.asp?NewsId=1671&CB=14&CancerTypeId=4

Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Study

Call 1-888-742-7876 to find out more information about a clinical research study to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer in men who are at increased risk.

Calculate Your Odds Against Prostate Cancer

Researchers have created an online calculator that provides prostate cancer patients with personalized 10-year survival predictions. Developed by the Josephine Ford Cancer Center and the Artificial Neural Networks in Prostate Cancer Project, the calculator makes its prognosis based on a patient's age, race, clinical measures and the kind of prostate cancer treatment he's receiving. Survival probability estimates are based on data from over 1600 men with clinically localized prostate cancer.
Source: www.prostatecalculator.org  

Valera Seeks FDA Approval for Prostate Cancer Implant

Valera Pharmaceuticals has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Vantas(TM), Valera's long-acting implant for treating prostate cancer. Vantas(TM) has been designed for the continuous 12-month administration of Histrelin, a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) for the palliative treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.

Masturbation and Prostate Cancer

To the delight of junior-high booys and overworked male porn stars, a study from the Cancer Council of Melbourne has found that men who ejaculated more than five times a week had a decreased incidence of prostate cancer. The scientists believe frequent sruirts sweep out cancer-casusing carcinogens - like flushing out the lines when switching a keg.
Source: FHM, April 2004

Doctors Praise Robotics' Role In Prostate Procedure

Sitting in front of a screen several feet from the operating table, 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/EMIHC269/333/20786/369001.html?d=dmtICNNews

Older Prostate Cancer Patients May Face Age Bias

When it comes to deciding what kind of treatment a man with prostate cancer receives, the person's age trumps life expectancy, according to a new study from the University Health Network.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Events

Over 400 students, faculty and community members rocked against prostate cancer, Saturday Dec. 13, at the first annual “Blue Ribbon Bash” which was held at the Anita Tuvin Schlechter (ATS) auditorium on the Dickinson College campus in Carlisle, PA.

Aspirin a Day Can Do Wonders for the Aged

Everyone over the age of 60 may soon be advised to take a regular dose of aspirin to try to stave off cancer, heart disease and even senile dementia, medical researchers in London contend. At conference on the uses of aspirin in preventing cancer, held recently in London, it was told that there was also strong evidence to suggest that it could help to prevent breast, prostate or bowel cancers.

Secretary of State Colin Powell has Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Secretary of State Colin Powell was undergoing surgery for prostate cancer Monday morning, December 15, 2003, the State Department announced. Powell, 66, was expected to remain at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington for several days after the surgery, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a written statement. "He will be on a reduced schedule while he recovers from the operation, " Boucher said. Prostate cancer has roughly the same caseload as breast cancer, however, research funding levels lag significantly behind. Just on the federal level alone, breast cancer funding achieves about $655 million while prostate cancer ranks at about $400 million. The National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) announces that new information is on its website and has released a hotline number for people with questions about prostate cancer following the news: 888-245-9455.
Source: www.pcacoalition.org/pressroom/powell.php

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/EMIHC268/333/20786/368918.html?d=dmtICNNews

Healthy Lifestyle Can Halt Prostate Cancer

Exercise and weight control affects disease progression, study finds.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512609

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 Read what the American Cancer Society says about this Men's Health magazine claim.

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: http://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: http://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: http://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: http://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.

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

Emperor Akihito Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

Emperor Akihito has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and will undergo surgery next month, Japan's Imperial Household Agency announced
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/342/359599.html

New Program Matches Newly Diagnosed with Survivors

The American Cancer Society has launched a new program, "One to One" in Collier County, FL. The program matches men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer with other prostate cancer survivors who can provide guidance.
Source: cfapps.naplesnews.com/sendlink/printthis.cfm

Disability Benefit comes at Expense of Pension for Veterans

When a veteran is granted disability compensation, his pension is reduced by the same amount. Veterans groups are working to change this government policy.
Source: www.daily-journal.com/content/?id=15759

Combining Therapies when Hormone Therapy Doesn't Work

Combination therapy in treating patients with advanced prostate cancer that has not responded to hormone therapy.
Source: cfapps.naplesnews.com/sendlink/printthis.cfm

Hormone Therapy Following Radical Prostatectomy

Hormone therapy with or without mitoxantrone and prednisone in treating patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Source: www.hopelink.com/search/locations.jsp?t=0_0_19338&cs=n&p=0_0_19

Combining Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery

Combination chemotherapy followed by surgery in treating patients with localized prostate cancer.
Source: www.hopelink.com/search/locations.jsp?t=0_0_19746&cs=n&p=0_0_19

For Patients with Poor Prognosis Locally Advanced PC

Phase II study of neoadjuvant paclitaxel, estramustine, carboplatin, and androgen ablation followed by radiotherapy in patients with poor-prognosis locally advanced prostate cancer.
Source: www.hopelink.com/search/locations.jsp?t=0_0_19694&cs=n&p=0_0_19

Incontinence Websites Provide Guidance

Incontinence, a possible side effect of prostate cancer treatment, can be controlled and helped. The Virginia Urology Center provides information on the different types of incontinence and how to alleviate them. Incontinent.com, which is run by a manufacturer of generic incontinence products, explains the different products available, including pads, shields, and fitted briefs.
Source: www.uro.com/incontinence.htm

Prostate Specific Antigen Bounce Phenomenon

Prostate specific antigen bounce phenomenon after external beam radiation for clinically localized prostate cancer.
Source: www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/PaperFrameSet?OpenForm&newsid=8525697700573E1885256C5D001ECEA9&topabstract=1&u=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12394695&dopt=Abstract

Neoadjuvant therapy

Neoadjuvant therapy before radical prostatectomy for clinical T3/T4 carcinoma of the prostate: 5-year followup, Phase II Southwest Oncology Group study 9109.
Source: www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/PaperFrameSet?OpenForm&newsid=8525697700573E1885256C5D001ECAC1&topabstract=1&u=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12394698&dopt=Abstract

Prevention of Cancer in the Older Person

Both primary and secondary cancer prevention may improve cancer control among older persons. Although chemoprevention of cancer is feasible, the agents currently used for chemoprevention have several complications. As a result, the use of these substances should be individualized based on risk-benefit ratio. It is reasonable to implement screening for cancer of the breast and of the large bowel in persons with a life expectancy of 5 years and longer. No definite recommendation may be issued at present related to screening for prostate, lung, and cervical cancer. Ongoing clinical trials may answer some of these questions.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12424870&dopt=Abstract

PSP94

Prostate targeting: PSP94 gene promoter/enhancer region directed prostate tissue-specific expression in a