All articles tagged with #prostate cancer
A small NYU study found microplastics in 90% of prostate cancer tissue samples, with higher concentrations than in healthy tissue, but researchers caution that causation is not established and the sample size is limited; more research is needed while doctors advise risk-reduction steps and regular screening.
A masked T-cell engager called VIR-5500 demonstrated early promise in an ongoing advanced prostate cancer trial, with 82% of high-dose patients seeing PSA reductions and about half showing tumor shrinkage; masking aims to reduce inflammatory toxicity and enable safer, slower activation, though results are preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed.
UK men face rising prostate cancer diagnoses while a National Screening Committee says broad PSA screening isn’t justified due to risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, even as awareness grows and access varies by socioeconomic status. The piece follows men like Bulteel, Pennington, Walsh and Hemans, illustrating how PSA testing can detect cancer early but also lead to difficult treatment paths (surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy) and significant emotional and relational strain, highlighting disparities in access and the push for targeted screening for at‑risk groups.
Australian researchers show that PSMA PET/CT scans light up aggressive prostate cancers so clearly that many patients with inconclusive MRI can avoid invasive biopsies, potentially halving biopsy rates without missing clinically significant disease; the Primary2 trial (about 660 men) found that those with negative scans did not need biopsies and those with positive scans had targeted biopsies, with two-year follow-up and increasing availability in Australia and Europe.
A large U.S. cohort study found men who ejaculate 21+ times per month had about a 20% lower risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than those who ejaculate 4–7 times monthly, with the strongest effect seen in low-risk tumors. The association does not prove causation, and ejaculation should not replace regular screening or other healthy habits—diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking—when assessing overall prostate cancer risk.
Prostate cancer often develops without noticeable early signs, but three bathroom-related warning signs—more frequent urination, straining to urinate, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying—along with other symptoms like weak urine flow or nocturia, highlight the importance of talking with a doctor about PSA screening for earlier detection and potentially better outcomes.
A study led by NYU Langone Health urologist Dr. Stacy Loeb found higher concentrations of microplastics in prostate tumor tissue than in non-cancerous tissue, with about 90% of tumor samples containing microplastics versus 70% of controls. Although not yet published, researchers say the findings raise important questions about a potential link between microplastics and cancer development and call for broader studies. They stressed strict contamination controls and noted the result does not prove causation, but emphasize that the issue merits serious public-health attention and potential regulatory action to curb plastic pollution.
A pilot study from NYU Langone Health found microplastics in 90% of analyzed prostate cancer tumors, with cancerous tissue showing about 2.5 times more microplastics than healthy tissue (roughly 40 vs 16 micrograms per gram). Researchers say microplastic exposure could be a risk factor for prostate cancer and call for further study and potentially stricter plastic regulation to understand and mitigate this environmental health risk.
A pilot NYU Langone Health study found microplastic particles in 9 of 10 prostate tumor samples, with cancerous tissue averaging about 40 micrograms per gram versus 16 in healthy tissue (roughly 2.5x higher). The team took rigorous contamination precautions, including using nonplastic tools, and analyzed 12 common plastic molecules. While findings raise the possibility that microplastics could influence cancer risk via inflammation, researchers caution that the small sample size requires larger studies to confirm any causal role; results will be presented at the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.
Astellas and Vir Biotechnology announced a global strategic collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize VIR-5500, a PSMA-targeting PRO-XTEN dual-masked T-cell engager for prostate cancer; U.S. commercialization led by Astellas (Vir may co-promote), ex-U.S. commercialization to Astellas, development costs shared 60/40 (Astellas/Vir), Vir to receive $335 million upfront/near-term payments and up to $1.37 billion in milestones, with royalties on ex-U.S. net sales and a potential 50/50 U.S. profit/loss share if Vir elects to co-promote; closing subject to customary regulatory clearances.
Astellas is partnering with Vir Biotechnology in a $1.7 billion deal to advance VIR-5500, Vir’s PSMAxCD3 T-cell engager, leveraging Vir’s PRO-XTEN dual-masking tech; Astellas pays $335 million upfront (cash, equity, milestones) with potential up to $1.37 billion in milestones, and a 60-40 development-cost split, plus a U.S. co-promotion option and non-U.S. commercialization by Astellas. The alliance aims for phase 3 in 2027 with expanded early-lines; ASCO GU data show encouraging PSA reductions and a 45% objective response rate in evaluable patients, with a manageable safety profile (mostly grade 1 CRS) at the go-forward dose.
In a small, not-yet-peer-reviewed study of 10 men with prostate cancer, researchers found microplastics in 90% of tumor samples and 70% of nearby noncancerous tissue, with higher concentrations in tumors. The findings are preliminary, the study took extensive contamination precautions, and larger studies are needed to determine any causal link or health implications.
Thousands of UK men with prostate cancer are reportedly being denied focal therapy, a non-invasive treatment that preserves quality of life by reducing side effects like erectile dysfunction and incontinence; despite three principal forms (HIFU, cryotherapy, NanoKnife) being available, the NHS offers access at only a few centres and doctors say patients aren’t routinely informed about this option, prompting calls for broader access amid supportive trial data and NICE approvals.
A small UCLA-led trial in men with early prostate cancer on active surveillance found that reducing omega-6 fats and increasing omega-3 fats (via diet and fish oil) correlated with slower cancer cell growth, evidenced by lower Ki-67 after one year; PSA and tumor grade didn’t change. The study isn’t proof and larger, longer research is needed, but practical steps include cutting fried/ultra-processed foods and eating fatty fish regularly.
Medical professionals warn that men over 40 should watch for early prostate cancer signs, including more frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, a sense that the bladder won’t fully empty, blood in urine or semen, new erectile issues or painful ejaculation, persistent lower-back/hip/pelvic pain, and unexplained fatigue or weight loss. If symptoms persist for weeks, consult a GP promptly for assessment and potential PSA testing, with Prostate Cancer UK providing resources and support.