promise of prostate cancer research

Source: National Cancer Institute

Prostate cancer research is taking place in many medical centers around the world and breakthroughs occur regularly. Cancer research has led to real progress in prostate cancer detection, treatment, and supportive care. Because of research, men with prostate cancer can look forward to a better quality of life and less chance of dying from the disease. Continuing research offers hope that, in the future, even more men with this disease will be treated successfully.

Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies) in which people take part voluntarily. These include studies of ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat prostate cancer; studies of the psychological effects of the disease; and studies of ways to improve comfort and quality of life. Research already has led to advances in these areas, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.

Even if the men in a trial do not benefit directly, they may still make an important contribution by helping doctors learn more about prostate cancer and how to control it. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, doctors do all they can to protect their patients.

If you're interested in being part of a clinical trial, talk with your doctor.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

Although researchers know several risk factors for prostate cancer, they still are not sure why one man develops the disease and another doesn't. (Known risk factors, which include aging, are listed in the "Prostate Cancer: Who's at Risk?" section.)

Some aspects of a man's lifestyle may affect his chances of developing prostate cancer. For example, some evidence suggests a link between diet and this disease. These studies show that prostate cancer is more common in populations that consume a high-fat diet (particularly animal fat), and in populations that have diets lacking certain nutrients. Although it is not known whether a diet low in fat will prevent prostate cancer, a low-fat diet may have many other health benefits.

Some research suggests that high levels of testosterone may increase a man's risk of prostate cancer. The difference between racial groups in prostate cancer risk could be related to high testosterone levels, but it also could result from diet or other lifestyle factors.

Researchers also are looking for changes in genes that may increase the risk for developing prostate cancer. They are studying the genes of men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer at a relatively young age (less than 55 years old) and the genes of families who have several members with the disease. Much more work is needed, however, before scientists can say exactly how changes in these genes are related to prostate cancer. Men with a family history of prostate cancer who are concerned about an inherited risk for this disease should talk with their doctor. The doctor may suggest seeing a health professional trained in genetics.

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

Several studies are under way to explore how prostate cancer might be prevented. These include the use of dietary supplements, such as vitamin E and selenium. In addition, recent studies suggest that a diet that regularly includes tomato-based foods may help protect men from prostate cancer.

Scientists are also looking at ways to prevent recurrence among men who have been treated for prostate cancer. These approaches involve the use of drugs such as finasteride, flutamide, and LH-RH agonists. Studies have shown that hormonal therapy after radiation therapy or after radical prostatectomy can benefit certain men whose cancer has spread to nearby tissues.

Researchers also are investigating whether diets that are low in fat and high in soy, fruits, vegetables, and other food products might prevent a recurrence. The Cancer Information Service can provide information about these studies.

Screening/Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

Researchers are studying ways to screen men for prostate cancer (check for the disease in men who have no symptoms). At this time, it is not known whether screening for prostate cancer actually saves lives, even if the disease is found at an earlier stage. Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Treatments

Doctors are studying many types of prostate cancer treatment and their combinations:

Active surveillance: Doctors are comparing having surgery or radiation right away to choosing active surveillance. The results of the study will help doctors know whether to treat early stage prostate cancer right away, or only when symptoms appear or get worse.
Cryosurgery: Surgeons are studying a tool that freezes and kills prostate tissue in men with early prostate cancer.
High-intentisy focused ultrasound (HIFU): Doctors are testing HIFU in men with early prostate cancer. A probe is placed in the rectum. The probe gives off high-intensity ultrasound waves that heat up and destroy the prostate tumor.
Radiation therapy: Doctors are using different doses or schedules of radiation therapy. They are looking at the use of radioactive implants after external radiation. And they are combining radiation therapy with other treatments, such as hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy: Researchers are studying different schedules of hormone therapy, and they are combining it with other treatments.
Chemotherapy: Researchers are testing anticancer drugs and combining them with hormone therapy or biological therapy. Chemotherapy allows some men to live longer and with a better quality of life.
Biological therapy: New biological therapies are under study. For example, doctors are testing cancer vaccines that help the immune system kill cancer cells.

Doctors are also testing ways to manage the problems caused by prostate cancer and its treatment. For example, they are studying ways to manage or prevent bone pain, bone thinning, hot flashes, and impotence.

Source
http://cancer.gov
NCI's Web site contains comprehensive information about cancer causes and prevention, screening and diagnosis, treatment and survivorship; clinical trials; statistics; funding, training, and employment opportunities; and the Institute and its programs.

See the complete index of What You Need To Know About™ Cancer publications.

Posted January 2004
Updated November 2009