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Men Not Being Told Enough About PSA Tests
September 28, 2009
Pros, cons of cancer screen not understood, research shows. Most men are not being told the pros and cons of PSA tests, two new studies find.
Although PSA tests can detect prostate cancer, they can't predict which cancers are aggressive and which are so slow-growing that they don't need to be treated. This leads to overtreatment, which can have immediate consequences, such as impotence and incontinence, and only a tiny increase in survival, researchers say.
Although PSA tests can detect prostate cancer, they can't predict which cancers are aggressive and which are so slow-growing that they don't need to be treated. This leads to overtreatment, which can have immediate consequences, such as impotence and incontinence, and only a tiny increase in survival, researchers say.
Studies Find PSA Screening Unreliable
September 25, 2009
Men need to know pros, cons to make informed choice about prostate cancer test, experts say. The inability of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test to distinguish between deadly and harmless prostate cancers makes it unusable as a population-wide screening tool, new research claims.
Because of its unreliability, results from the test lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, according to two reports in the Sept. 25 online edition of BMJ.
Because of its unreliability, results from the test lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, according to two reports in the Sept. 25 online edition of BMJ.
Watchful Waiting Works for Older Men With Prostate Cancer
September 15, 2009
But experts stress the same does not hold true for patients under 60. Older men diagnosed with prostate cancer who choose watchful waiting are doing better these days than in the era before screening with a test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) became common, a new study finds.
"The most important message is that the long-term outcome for patients who don't have surgery or radiation is pretty good," said study author Dr. Grace L.
"The most important message is that the long-term outcome for patients who don't have surgery or radiation is pretty good," said study author Dr. Grace L.
Men Who Have Prostate Cancer Surgery Do Well
July 27, 2009
But study didn't determine value of any treatment vs. watchful waiting. A major study has good news for men who have prostate cancer surgery but leaves unanswered the complicated question of whether a man should have that operation, another treatment or just watchful waiting.
The study of almost 13,000 American men who had a radical prostatectomy .
The study of almost 13,000 American men who had a radical prostatectomy .
Most Not Worried by Delayed Prostate Cancer Therapy
July 27, 2009
Little anxiety noted in survey of men who opt out of aggressive treatment. Men who delay treatment for their early prostate cancer are not especially anxious about living with the disease, new Dutch research shows.
The evidence seems to contradict the assumption that living with untreated prostate cancer is nerve-wracking for most patients, according to Dr. Roderick van den Bergh, of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, and colleagues.
The evidence seems to contradict the assumption that living with untreated prostate cancer is nerve-wracking for most patients, according to Dr. Roderick van den Bergh, of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, and colleagues.
Heavy Drinking Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer
July 13, 2009
Consumption also appears to undercut effect of cancer-prevention drug. Heavy drinking, especially when it's beer, increases the risk for highly aggressive prostate cancer, a new study finds.
The researchers did not set out to determine the effect of alcohol consumption on prostate cancer risk but rather to test the effectiveness of finasteride (Proscar, Propecia), a drug prescribed to prevent prostate cancer.
And they found that heavy drinking reduces the cancer-preventing effect of finasteride.
The researchers did not set out to determine the effect of alcohol consumption on prostate cancer risk but rather to test the effectiveness of finasteride (Proscar, Propecia), a drug prescribed to prevent prostate cancer.
And they found that heavy drinking reduces the cancer-preventing effect of finasteride.
Painkillers May Be Good for the Prostate
June 21, 2009
Yet medical experts stress that men shouldn't take them with just this in mind. Taking over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen might help men avoid prostate problems.
But even so, medical experts are quick to caution men not to self-dose or to take more than the recommended amounts of these medications, because harmful side effects can result.
"Our data suggest if men are taking these [medications] for another problem, it might prevent urological problems as well," said Jennifer St.
But even so, medical experts are quick to caution men not to self-dose or to take more than the recommended amounts of these medications, because harmful side effects can result.
"Our data suggest if men are taking these [medications] for another problem, it might prevent urological problems as well," said Jennifer St.
Gene Test Helps Detect Prostate Cancer
June 01, 2009
New screen boosts accuracy of standard PSA test, study shows. A new blood test greatly reduces false-positive results in prostate cancer screenings and, when used in combination with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, could prevent many unnecessary biopsies, U.S. researchers say.
Advanced Prostate Cancer Deadlier in Younger Men
May 22, 2009
Patients under 44 were three times more likely to die, study finds. Younger men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer don't live as long as older men facing the same diagnosis, a new study finds.
"Overall, young men with prostate cancer do quite well, although the young men that have more advanced prostate cancers did substantially worse than old men with similar forms of the disease," said Dr. Daniel W.
"Overall, young men with prostate cancer do quite well, although the young men that have more advanced prostate cancers did substantially worse than old men with similar forms of the disease," said Dr. Daniel W.
Study Reiterates Eye Risks Linked to Flomax
May 19, 2009
Men should be aware of dangers if taking prostate drug, experts say. Men taking Flomax to treat an enlarged prostate face more than double the risk for serious complications should they need cataract surgery, a new Canadian study has found.
It's not the first time that Flomax (tamsulosin) has been linked to cataract complications. A study in 2005 found that men taking Flomax or other alpha-blockers before cataract surgery had complications during and immediately after the procedure.
It's not the first time that Flomax (tamsulosin) has been linked to cataract complications. A study in 2005 found that men taking Flomax or other alpha-blockers before cataract surgery had complications during and immediately after the procedure.
An Aid to Tailoring Prostate Cancer Treatment
May 15, 2009
4 factors could guide decisions on how aggressive therapy should be. Researchers claim to have found a way to better customize the treatment of prostate cancer.
Four risk factors that can help predict how long men could survive with metastatic prostate cancer have been identified by researchers from the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, who say such information would help doctors individualize treatments.
"There is a need for identification of accurate and simple-to-use prognostic factors for men with prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate," Andrew Armstrong, a medical oncologist at Duke and the lead investigator for the study, said in a university news release.
Four risk factors that can help predict how long men could survive with metastatic prostate cancer have been identified by researchers from the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, who say such information would help doctors individualize treatments.
"There is a need for identification of accurate and simple-to-use prognostic factors for men with prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate," Andrew Armstrong, a medical oncologist at Duke and the lead investigator for the study, said in a university news release.
Biomarkers May Predict Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer
May 05, 2009
Cancer expert is wary of finding, however.Three molecules associated with prostate cancer might provide the long-sought markers that could discern which tumors are life-threatening and need aggressive treatment, a new study indicates.
The currently hot debate about the value of screening for early detection of prostate cancer hinges on the fact that the cancer is usually so slow-growing that there is no lifesaving benefit from treatment such as surgery, which can cause impotence and incontinence. Recent studies in the United States and Europe found at best limited benefit from routine prostate cancer screening, and new guidelines from the American Urological Association say that many men do not need annual screening tests.
The currently hot debate about the value of screening for early detection of prostate cancer hinges on the fact that the cancer is usually so slow-growing that there is no lifesaving benefit from treatment such as surgery, which can cause impotence and incontinence. Recent studies in the United States and Europe found at best limited benefit from routine prostate cancer screening, and new guidelines from the American Urological Association say that many men do not need annual screening tests.
Experts Back Away From Annual PSA Test
April 27, 2009
Men should have a 'baseline' prostate cancer screen at 40, but yearly PSA may not be necessary, guidelines say. New guidelines on prostate cancer screening suggest that annual PSA blood tests might not be necessary for many men, but the same guidelines call for a "baseline" PSA test at the age of 40, rather than 50.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to detect early signs of prostate cancer should be offered to "well-informed men aged 40 and older who have a life expectancy of 10 years," state clinical guidelines issued Monday by the American Urological Association at its annual meeting in Chicago.
Noting that the issue of PSA testing and how it should be used to guide treatment "is highly controversial," the association still stated that the test, "when offered and interpreted appropriately, may provide important information for the diagnosis, pre-treatment staging or risk assessment or post-treatment monitoring of prostate cancer.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to detect early signs of prostate cancer should be offered to "well-informed men aged 40 and older who have a life expectancy of 10 years," state clinical guidelines issued Monday by the American Urological Association at its annual meeting in Chicago.
Noting that the issue of PSA testing and how it should be used to guide treatment "is highly controversial," the association still stated that the test, "when offered and interpreted appropriately, may provide important information for the diagnosis, pre-treatment staging or risk assessment or post-treatment monitoring of prostate cancer.
Statins Guard Against Prostate Cancer
April 27, 2009
Other studies found they also reduced chances of erectile dysfunction.Several new studies suggest statins help prevent prostate cancer and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
"At this point in time, there seems to be mounting evidence that there may be a future role for statins in prostate cancer treatment or prostate cancer prevention," said Dr. Lionel L.
"At this point in time, there seems to be mounting evidence that there may be a future role for statins in prostate cancer treatment or prostate cancer prevention," said Dr. Lionel L.
Stress Management Battles Prostate Cancer Anxiety
April 08, 2009
Brief counseling before, after surgery eases concern over side effects, study finds. Stress management counseling appears to benefit men who have all or part of their prostate removed (radical prostatectomy) to treat early-stage prostate cancer, says a U.S. study.
New Prostate Cancer Drug May Hold Promise
April 07, 2009
Researchers apply for large-scale testing after 'very promising' early results. A new drug with a radically different way of attacking prostate cancer has done well in an initial trial and is ready for larger-scale testing, researchers report.
One standard treatment for the malignancy is to inhibit the activity of androgens, male hormones such as testosterone that help drive tumor growth. Existing anti-androgens try to "shut down the factory" that produces the hormones, but the new drug blocks the receptors for those androgens on the tumor cells, said Dr.
One standard treatment for the malignancy is to inhibit the activity of androgens, male hormones such as testosterone that help drive tumor growth. Existing anti-androgens try to "shut down the factory" that produces the hormones, but the new drug blocks the receptors for those androgens on the tumor cells, said Dr.
Scientists ID New Biomarker for Prostate Cancer
March 25, 2009
Study finds cleaved galectin-3 may serve as treatment target against disease progression. A newly identified marker for prostate cancer progression may also offer a new target for treatment, University of Michigan researchers say.
Previous research has found that decreased levels of the marker galectin-3 are linked with neoplastic progression in prostate cancer. However, increased levels of galectin-3 are believed to be associated with tumorigenicity in a number of other tumor types.
Previous research has found that decreased levels of the marker galectin-3 are linked with neoplastic progression in prostate cancer. However, increased levels of galectin-3 are believed to be associated with tumorigenicity in a number of other tumor types.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Guard Against Advanced Prostate Cancer
March 24, 2009
Even men genetically predisposed to disease benefit from eating fish, study finds. Omega-3 fatty acids could help protect men against advanced prostate cancer, researchers report.
Eating fish at least once a week may reduce the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer even if one is genetically predisposed to developing the disease, but more work is needed to see if the association is real, the researchers said.
"Eating a healthy diet that includes dark fish and other sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may decrease risk of more advanced prostate cancer even if one has a cox-2 genetic predisposition to the disease," said lead researcher John S.
Eating fish at least once a week may reduce the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer even if one is genetically predisposed to developing the disease, but more work is needed to see if the association is real, the researchers said.
"Eating a healthy diet that includes dark fish and other sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may decrease risk of more advanced prostate cancer even if one has a cox-2 genetic predisposition to the disease," said lead researcher John S.
'Male Lumpectomy' May Help Some With Prostate Cancer
March 10, 2009
Procedure involves freezing tumor rather than removing entire gland. A new procedure for prostate cancer that destroys only the part of the gland that is cancerous results in fewer side effects than surgery or radiation therapy, a new study finds.
The so-called "male lumpectomy" is a minimally invasive procedure that freezes part of the prostate. The study suggests that it might prove especially beneficial for men who have local prostate cancer or those for whom radiation has not worked.
The so-called "male lumpectomy" is a minimally invasive procedure that freezes part of the prostate. The study suggests that it might prove especially beneficial for men who have local prostate cancer or those for whom radiation has not worked.
PSA Tests Not Race-Specific, Study Finds
February 24, 2009
Contrary to common belief, same threshold works well for black and white men, researchers say. Levels of a protein doctors examine to help determine the likelihood of a man developing prostate cancer predicts chances of the disease occurring in blacks just as well as in whites, a new study shows.
The finding is reported in the Feb. 24 issue of Cancer Prevention Research.
The finding is reported in the Feb. 24 issue of Cancer Prevention Research.
Urine Test May One Day Predict Prostate Cancer
February 11, 2009
Lab results identify component linked to aggressiveness of disease. A simple urine test that identifies small molecules, called metabolites, that are associated with prostate cancer might someday be able to identify men who have a fast-moving, aggressive form of the disease, University of Michigan researchers report.
They say such a test could help identify those who need aggressive treatment and might one day lead to the development of new therapies.
"There are metabolites that might be useful in predicting aggressiveness of prostate cancer," said lead researcher Dr.
They say such a test could help identify those who need aggressive treatment and might one day lead to the development of new therapies.
"There are metabolites that might be useful in predicting aggressiveness of prostate cancer," said lead researcher Dr.
Selenium, Vitamins E and C Won't Prevent Prostate Cancer
December 09, 2008
Large trials fail to confirm suspected benefit Selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C won't prevent men from getting prostate cancer.
In findings that were released early because of the public health implications, the results of two large randomized, controlled clinical trials showed the supplements failed to provide a cancer-prevention benefit, despite past findings that seemed to indicate great promise ..
In findings that were released early because of the public health implications, the results of two large randomized, controlled clinical trials showed the supplements failed to provide a cancer-prevention benefit, despite past findings that seemed to indicate great promise ..
Single Men Less Likely to Get Prostate Screens
December 08, 2008
This held true even for men with a family history of the disease, researchers say. Married men and men living with a significant other are more prone to get early screening for prostate cancer, a new study says.
The study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found that even men with a family history of prostate cancer were 40 percent less likely to be screened if they lived alone compared to those who were married or shared a home with a significant other. The study, however, did not examine why this is so.
The study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found that even men with a family history of prostate cancer were 40 percent less likely to be screened if they lived alone compared to those who were married or shared a home with a significant other. The study, however, did not examine why this is so.
Rapaflo Approved for Enlarged Prostate
October 09, 2008
The leading reason men visit urologists The once-daily alpha blocker Rapaflo (silodosin) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the medical term for an enlarged prostate.
ED Drug Relieves Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
August 19, 2008
In men with enlarged prostates, daily Cialis showed benefit without side effects . A daily dose of the erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil (Cialis) helped relieve lower urinary tract symptoms in men with signs of enlarged prostates, according to a new study.
One in 5 Young Men Had Prostate Screen in Past Year
August 11, 2008
Analysis may aid in guiding recommendations on who should get screened and when. One in five men in their 40s has had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in the past year, and young black men are more likely than young white men to have undergone the test, a new analysis shows.
Vitamin D Status Not Associated With Lower Prostate Risk
May 27, 2008
But study finds evidence of slight link between higher concentrations, aggressive disease.
Prostate Cancer Vaccine Looks Promising in Early Trial
May 18, 2008
Could help men with metastatic, recurring disease, researchers say.
PSA Test Losing Diagnostic Value, Study Says
March 10, 2008
Advances in biopsy techniques rendering prostate cancer screen less useful, but some experts disagree.
Chemo Break Benefits Some Men With Prostate Cancer
February 29, 2008
Findings suggest treatment 'holidays' improve quality of life for patients.
Prostate Cancer Treatments Often Compound Existing Health Problems
November 26, 2007
Many patients getting therapies that are not the best for them, study says.
Severe Urinary Problems Boost Death Risk in Older Men
November 09, 2007
Those over 45 face an almost 24-fold increase in mortality, study says
New Guidelines Rule Out Prostate Screening for Men Over 75
August 04, 2008
Updated government guidelines take a dim view of prostate cancer screenings at any age and flatly recommend against them entirely for men over 75. The over-75 rule "is much more explicit than any recommendation out there right now" for using the prostate-screening antigen
Severe Urinary Problems Boost Death Risk in Older Men
Those over 45 face an almost 24-fold increase in mortality, study says
June 02, 2008
As many as 25 percent of men over age 45 admitted to hospital with acute urinary retention (AUR) die within a year, a death risk comparable to that of patients with a broken hip, a new study says. AUR, the sudden inability to pass urine, is a medical emergency. The condition is often a progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia
