Research Developments Uncover Risks, Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Today, cancer awareness is at an all-time high. Forms of the disease such as breast cancer and prostate cancer that were once considered to be fit only for whispered hints among family are now discussed openly. Health advocates believe that the public?s growing awareness of these diseases helps save lives.

Still, in spite of the fact that these diseases are no longer considered taboo for public discussion, they continue to pose serious health threats. Prostate cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease, ranking second among all cancer fatalities in the male population. In the United States alone, it accounts for more than 27,000 deaths annually.

The severity of prostate cancer has prompted a concerted effort among researchers to pinpoint causes and possible treatments for this potentially deadly disease. This week, we?ll take a look at some of the most significant recent research breakthroughs in the international campaign to cure prostate cancer.

Successful Outcome of Prostate Surgery Hinges on Medical Team?s Experience

The nature of prostate cancer and its spread in the body often demands a surgical intervention to achieve the best prognosis. However, prostate surgery is a delicate procedure, and complications are common.

Researchers at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City recently sought to identify the factors that contributed to a positive or negative outcome from prostate cancer surgery. In a study that compared the medical case data of 7,800 prostate cancer patients who had surgery over the course of the period from 1987 to 2003, many variables were analyzed to assess their potential involvement.

After the analysis, it was found that the single most significant factor in determining a successful outcome for prostate cancer surgery was an experienced surgical team. Specifically, cancer recurrences were found to be least likely to occur when the surgery was performed by a specialist who had completed at least 250 prior surgeries.

Among the surgeons who had less experience, the risk of a post-surgery cancer recurrence increased dramatically. The researchers reiterated the importance of ?shopping? for an experienced surgeon before committing to a surgical treatment for prostate cancer.

New Drug Found to Be Effective Against Highly Resilient Strain of Prostate Cancer

There are several different subtypes of prostate cancer, each of which poses unique challenges for treatment. However, several forms of prostate cancer have been identified as being particularly resistant to traditional treatment methods, such as radiation, surgery, and pharmaceutical intervention.

A research team at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London recently reported a breakthrough that may offer hope to patients diagnosed with one of the more treatment-resistant forms of the disease that often fails to respond to conventional treatment. According to their findings, an experimental drug known as abiraterone has demonstrated the ability to restrict cancer growth in men whose tumors have not responded to other treatments.

Among patients who took the drug, levels of prostate-specific antigen, a chemical sign of prostate cancer, were reduced by as much as half. It also appeared to halt cancer cell growth and, in some cases, shrink existing tumors.

In a second phase of the study, the drug was combined with another experimental compound, and the promising results were, for the most part, duplicated. Although it may still be years before the experimental drugs are offered to the public, the researchers expressed hope that this may represent a major advance in the treatment of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Diets Rich in Omega-3s May Cut Risk of Prostate Cancer

Because of the difficulties inherent in successfully diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, a great deal of recent research has focused on identifying effective prevention techniques that may cut men?s risk of developing the disease.

A team of scientists at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. recently discovered that a nutrition-packed oil found naturally in fish and other foods may decrease prostate cancer risks when consumed regularly. In a study that used genetically modified rodents, it was found that a diet rich in omega-3s cut prostate cancer risks by up to 60%.

Specifically, the researchers discovered that the fatty components of the oil may be able to reduce and eliminate a specific type of cell death that is believed to be a precursor to prostate cancer growth. Although they point out that further research is necessary, they recommended a diet rich in health-promoting omega-3s, particularly for men with a family history of prostate cancer.

Consult with your licensed medical professional to develop a personalized prevention plan if you or a loved one has concerns about developing prostate cancer. Check back each week for more of the science news that can help you optimize your health!