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August 21, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Serum levels of phytanic acid are associated with prostate cancer risk.


Serum levels of phytanic acid are associated with prostate cancer risk.
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Serum levels of phytanic acid are associated with prostate cancer risk.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1824

Authors: Walsh PC

PMID: 16217297 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


August 09, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Can docetaxel plus estramustine prolong survival of men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer?


Can docetaxel plus estramustine prolong survival of men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer?
Related Articles

Can docetaxel plus estramustine prolong survival of men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer?

Nat Clin Pract Oncol. 2005 Feb;2(2):70-1

Authors: Sleijfer S, Stoter G

PMID: 16264874 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


June 13, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Regulation of prostaglandin metabolism by calcitriol attenuates growth stimulation in prostate cancer cells.


Regulation of prostaglandin metabolism by calcitriol attenuates growth stimulation in prostate cancer cells.
Related Articles

Regulation of prostaglandin metabolism by calcitriol attenuates growth stimulation in prostate cancer cells.

Cancer Res. 2005 Sep 1;65(17):7917-25

Authors: Moreno J, Krishnan AV, Swami S, Nonn L, Peehl DM, Feldman D

Calcitriol exhibits antiproliferative and pro-differentiation effects in prostate cancer. Our goal is to further define the mechanisms underlying these actions. We studied established human prostate cancer cell lines and primary prostatic epithelial cells and showed that calcitriol regulated the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of prostaglandins (PGs), known stimulators of prostate cell growth. Calcitriol significantly repressed the mRNA and protein expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the key PG synthesis enzyme. Calcitriol also up-regulated the expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, the enzyme initiating PG catabolism. This dual action was associated with decreased prostaglandin E2 secretion into the conditioned media of prostate cancer cells exposed to calcitriol. Calcitriol also repressed the mRNA expression of the PG receptors EP2 and FP, providing a potential additional mechanism of suppression of the biological activity of PGs. Calcitriol treatment attenuated PG-mediated functional responses, including the stimulation of prostate cancer cell growth. The combination of calcitriol with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) synergistically acted to achieve significant prostate cancer cell growth inhibition at approximately 2 to 10 times lower concentrations of the drugs than when used alone. In conclusion, the regulation of PG metabolism and biological actions constitutes a novel pathway of calcitriol action that may contribute to its antiproliferative effects in prostate cells. We propose that a combination of calcitriol and nonselective NSAIDs might be a useful chemopreventive and/or therapeutic strategy in men with prostate cancer, as it would allow the use of lower concentrations of both drugs, thereby reducing their toxic side effects.

PMID: 16140963 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


June 05, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.


Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.
Related Articles

Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1808-13; discussion 1813

Authors: Raghavan D, Brandes LJ, Klapp K, Snyder T, Styles E, Tsao-Wei D, Lieskovsky G, Quinn DI, Ramsey EW

PURPOSE: Symptomatic, hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRCAP) is a major cause of morbidity with a median survival of less than 12 months and a 2-year survival of only up to 10% in most series. Mitoxantrone has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for HRCAP. Preliminary data suggest that DPPE (N,N-diethyl-2-[4-(phenylmethyl) phenoxy]-ethanamine) or tesmilifene modulates cytotoxics to enhance the anticancer effect. In this phase II trial we assessed whether there is sufficient evidence of enhanced efficacy of DPPE and mitoxantrone to lead to a phase III clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients with a median age of 73 years, of whom 10% were older than 80 years, with progressive HRCAP received 5.3 mg/kg DPPE intravenously every 3 weeks, 12 mg/m mitoxantrone intravenously every weeks and 5 mg prednisone orally twice daily. All patients had pain at presentation, while 97% had bone metastases, 10% had liver metastases and 17% had lung metastases. Median prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 210 ng/ml (IQR 77 to 430). RESULTS: Of the patients 75% had some pain improvement, 66% had decreased analgesia, 59% had a PSA decrease of 50% or greater and 45% had a PSA decrease of 75% or greater. Actual (not actuarial) 2-year survival was 21%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite major limitations of historical comparison the PSA decrease and decreased symptoms with DPPE-mitoxantrone-prednisone compare favorably to those of mitoxantrone-prednisone and docetaxel-estramustine in the literature. The 2-year survival rate of 21% mandates further assessment. This will be tested in a phase III Southwest Oncology Group trial.

PMID: 16217292 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


May 24, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Re: luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist effects on skeletal muscle: how hormonal therapy in prostate cancer affects muscular strength.


Re: luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist effects on skeletal muscle: how hormonal therapy in prostate cancer affects muscular strength.
Related Articles

Re: luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist effects on skeletal muscle: how hormonal therapy in prostate cancer affects muscular strength.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):2068-9

Authors: Marcora S, Oliver S, Callow N, Lemmey A, Stuart N

PMID: 16217402 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


May 15, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.


Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.
Related Articles

Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1808-13; discussion 1813

Authors: Raghavan D, Brandes LJ, Klapp K, Snyder T, Styles E, Tsao-Wei D, Lieskovsky G, Quinn DI, Ramsey EW

PURPOSE: Symptomatic, hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRCAP) is a major cause of morbidity with a median survival of less than 12 months and a 2-year survival of only up to 10% in most series. Mitoxantrone has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for HRCAP. Preliminary data suggest that DPPE (N,N-diethyl-2-[4-(phenylmethyl) phenoxy]-ethanamine) or tesmilifene modulates cytotoxics to enhance the anticancer effect. In this phase II trial we assessed whether there is sufficient evidence of enhanced efficacy of DPPE and mitoxantrone to lead to a phase III clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients with a median age of 73 years, of whom 10% were older than 80 years, with progressive HRCAP received 5.3 mg/kg DPPE intravenously every 3 weeks, 12 mg/m mitoxantrone intravenously every weeks and 5 mg prednisone orally twice daily. All patients had pain at presentation, while 97% had bone metastases, 10% had liver metastases and 17% had lung metastases. Median prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 210 ng/ml (IQR 77 to 430). RESULTS: Of the patients 75% had some pain improvement, 66% had decreased analgesia, 59% had a PSA decrease of 50% or greater and 45% had a PSA decrease of 75% or greater. Actual (not actuarial) 2-year survival was 21%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite major limitations of historical comparison the PSA decrease and decreased symptoms with DPPE-mitoxantrone-prednisone compare favorably to those of mitoxantrone-prednisone and docetaxel-estramustine in the literature. The 2-year survival rate of 21% mandates further assessment. This will be tested in a phase III Southwest Oncology Group trial.

PMID: 16217292 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


May 10, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Accumulation of p53 and reductions in XIAP abundance promote the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells.


Accumulation of p53 and reductions in XIAP abundance promote the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells.
Related Articles

Accumulation of p53 and reductions in XIAP abundance promote the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells.

Cancer Res. 2005 Sep 1;65(17):7717-23

Authors: Mohapatra S, Chu B, Zhao X, Pledger WJ

Toward the goal of developing effective treatments for prostate cancers, we examined the effects of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors on the survival of prostate cancer cells. We show that roscovitine, R-roscovitine, and CGP74514A (collectively referred to as CKIs) induce the apoptosis of LNCaP and LNCaP-Rf cells, both of which express wild-type p53. Apoptosis required caspase-9 and caspase-3 activity, and cytochrome c accumulated in the cytosol of CKI-treated cells. Amounts of p53 increased substantially in CKI-treated cells, whereas amounts of the endogenous caspase inhibitor XIAP decreased. CKIs did not appreciably induce the apoptosis of LNCaP cells treated with pifithrin-alpha, which prevents p53 accumulation, or of prostate cancer cells that lack p53 function (PC3 and DU145). Ectopic expression of p53 in PC3 cells for 44 hours did not reduce XIAP abundance or induce apoptosis. However, p53-expressing PC3 cells readily apoptosed when exposed to CKIs or when depleted of XIAP by RNA interference. These findings show that CKIs induce the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by a dual mechanism: p53 accumulation and XIAP depletion. They suggest that these events in combination may prove useful in the treatment of advanced prostate cancers.

PMID: 16140939 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


May 04, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Re: individualization of the biopsy protocol according to the prostate gland volume for prostate cancer detection.


Re: individualization of the biopsy protocol according to the prostate gland volume for prostate cancer detection.
Related Articles

Re: individualization of the biopsy protocol according to the prostate gland volume for prostate cancer detection.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):2068; author reply 2068

Authors: Kommu SS

PMID: 16217404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


May 02, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Calcitonin increases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells: role for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A in calcitonin action.


Calcitonin increases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells: role for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A in calcitonin action.
Related Articles

Calcitonin increases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells: role for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A in calcitonin action.

Int J Cancer. 2005 Nov 20;117(4):551-60

Authors: Sabbisetti VS, Chirugupati S, Thomas S, Vaidya KS, Reardon D, Chiriva-Internati M, Iczkowski KA, Shah GV

Calcitonin (CT) is synthesized and secreted in prostate epithelium, and its secretion from malignant prostates is several-fold higher than from benign prostates. CT receptor (CTR) is expressed in malignant prostate epithelium, and its activation stimulates growth of prostate cancer (PC) cells via activation of adenylyl cyclase and calcium/phospholipid pathways. To identify the role of "CT System" in prostate cancer, we tested the expression of CT and CTR mRNAs in invading tumor cells of prostate cancer specimens. The effect of CT on in vitro invasion of PC cell lines and on activation of gelatinases was also examined. The cells of primary tumors and those invading stroma co-expressed CT/CTR mRNAs. Exogenously added CT increased in vitro invasion of PC cell lines and caused a rapid, several-fold but transient increase in protein kinase A activity. In contrast, anti-CT serum caused a dose-dependent inhibition of in vitro invasion of PC-3M cells. CT also increased the concentration and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Rp.cAMP, a competitive inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, myristoylated protein kinase A inhibitory peptide (PKI) as well as the expression of dominant negative form of PKA all attenuated basal in vitro invasion of PC-3M cells, and CT could not increase in vitro invasiveness in their presence. These results suggest that overexpression of "CT System" in invasive PC tumors significantly contributes to increased invasiveness of prostate cancer cells. The action of CT may be mediated by protein kinase A signaling, which subsequently leads to increased cell invasion and secretion of gelatinases.

PMID: 15929083 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


April 18, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Re: individualization of the biopsy protocol according to the prostate gland volume for prostate cancer detection.


Re: individualization of the biopsy protocol according to the prostate gland volume for prostate cancer detection.
Related Articles

Re: individualization of the biopsy protocol according to the prostate gland volume for prostate cancer detection.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):2068; author reply 2068

Authors: Kommu SS

PMID: 16217404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


April 12, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - HYAL1 hyaluronidase in prostate cancer: a tumor promoter and suppressor.


HYAL1 hyaluronidase in prostate cancer: a tumor promoter and suppressor.
Related Articles

HYAL1 hyaluronidase in prostate cancer: a tumor promoter and suppressor.

Cancer Res. 2005 Sep 1;65(17):7782-9

Authors: Lokeshwar VB, Cerwinka WH, Isoyama T, Lokeshwar BL

Hyaluronidases degrade hyaluronic acid, which promotes metastasis. HYAL1 type hyaluronidase is an independent prognostic indicator of prostate cancer progression and a biomarker for bladder cancer. However, it is controversial whether hyaluronidase (e.g., HYAL1) functions as a tumor promoter or as a suppressor. We stably transfected prostate cancer cells, DU145 and PC-3 ML, with HYAL1-sense (HYAL1-S), HYAL1-antisense (HYAL1-AS), or vector DNA. HYAL1-AS transfectants were not generated for PC-3 ML because it expresses little HYAL1. HYAL1-S transfectants produced < or = 42 milliunits (moderate overproducers) or > or = 80 milliunits hyaluronidase activity (high producers). HYAL1-AS transfectants produced <10% hyaluronidase activity when compared with vector transfectants (18-24 milliunits). Both blocking HYAL1 expression and high HYAL1 production resulted in a 4- to 5-fold decrease in prostate cancer cell proliferation. HYAL1-AS transfectants had a G2-M block due to decreased cyclin B1, cdc25c, and cdc2/p34 expression and cdc2/p34 kinase activity. High HYAL1 producers had a 3-fold increase in apoptotic activity and mitochondrial depolarization when compared with vector transfectants and expressed activated proapoptotic protein WOX1. Blocking HYAL1 expression inhibited tumor growth by 4- to 7-fold, whereas high HYAL1 producing transfectants either did not form tumors (DU145) or grew 3.5-fold slower (PC-3 ML). Whereas vector and moderate HYAL1 producers generated muscle and blood vessel infiltrating tumors, HYAL1-AS tumors were benign and contained smaller capillaries. Specimens of high HYAL1 producers were 99% free of tumor cells. This study shows that, depending on the concentration, HYAL1 functions as a tumor promoter and as a suppressor and provides a basis for anti-hyaluronidase and high-hyaluronidase treatments for cancer.

PMID: 16140946 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


April 05, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence.


The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence.
Related Articles

The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence.

J Clin Pathol. 2005 Oct;58(10):1028-32

Authors: Emerson RE, Koch MO, Jones TD, Daggy JK, Juliar BE, Cheng L

BACKGROUND: Positive surgical margins are an adverse prognostic factor in patients undergoing prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The extent of margin positivity varies and its influence on clinical outcome is uncertain. AIMS: To evaluate the linear extent of margin positivity and the number and location of positive sites as prognostic indicators in a series of prostatectomy specimens evaluated with the whole mount technique. METHODS: Eighty six consecutive margin positive prostatectomy specimens were evaluated, and all pathology data were collected prospectively. The linear extent of margin positivity was measured with an ocular micrometer and the total extent of all positive sites was summed. The total number of sites with positive margins and anatomical sites of the positive margins were analysed. RESULTS: The linear extent of margin positivity ranged from 0.01 to 68 mm (mean, 6.8; median, 3.0) and was associated with prostate specific antigen (PSA) recurrence in univariate logistic regression (p = 0.031). In addition, the extent of margin positivity weakly correlated with preoperative PSA (p = 0.017) and tumour volume (p = 0.013), but not with age, prostate weight, Gleason score, pathological stage, or perineural invasion. The total number of positive sites was significantly higher in patients with PSA recurrence (p = 0.037). The location of the positive margin site was not associated with PSA recurrence. The extent of margin positivity correlated with PSA recurrence in univariate analysis, although it had only marginal predictive value when adjusted for Gleason score (p = 0.076). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of margin positivity correlates with PSA recurrence in univariate analysis, although it has no predictive value independent of Gleason score.

PMID: 16189146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


March 21, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades by differentiation-1 protein: acquired drug resistance of hormone independent prostate cancer cells.


Modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades by differentiation-1 protein: acquired drug resistance of hormone independent prostate cancer cells.
Related Articles Modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades by differentiation-1 protein: acquired drug resistance of hormone independent prostate cancer cells. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):2022-6 Authors: Lin JC, Chang SY, Hsieh DS, Lee CF, Yu DS PURPOSE: The inhibitor of differentiation-1 protein (Id-1) is over expressed in multidrug resistance prostate cancer cells. We determined the effect of Id-1 expression and its underlying pathways on the development of multidrug resistance in prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AT3 cells were transfected with the Id-1 gene or a blank vector. Id-1 mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Id-1 protein content was detected by immunoblot and flow cytometry. Cellular cytotoxicity was determined by MTT (microculture 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Missouri). The activation and expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were measured by transactivation assay and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Id-1 overproduction drove AT3 cells to become resistant to chemotherapeutic agents but did not induce mdr-1 gene expression. The p38MAPK and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways were suppressed, which correlated with increased Id-1 expression. No significant change in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was observed in Id-1 transfectants compared with that of AT3 or vector control. Treatment of Id-1 expressing cells with p38MAPK and JNK inhibitors resulted in decreased doxorubicin induced apoptosis. In contrast, Id-1 expressing cells treated with ERK inhibitor made cells more sensitive to drug induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulation of Id-1 was found in prostate cancer multidrug resistant cells. Sustained ERK activation, and JNK and p38MAPK inhibition by Id-1 in cells may confer drug resistance. These changes in MAPKs could be a mechanism for the acquisition of multidrug resistance in prostate cancer. PMID: 16217386 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

March 16, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.


Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.
Related Articles Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status. BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):1005-8 Authors: Rapp DE, Orvieto MA, Lucioni A, Gong EM, Shalhav AL, Brendler CB OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of intra-operative prostate examination (IOPE) to predict extraprostatic extension (EPE) and its effect on margin status in the region of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) when combined with wide excision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 403 patients with clinical stage T1c prostate adenocarcinoma undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). All patients had IOPE during RRP, and those with palpable abnormalities in the region of the NVB underwent wide excision. Pathological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Of 403 patients, 49 (12%) had a palpable abnormality in the region of the NVB. After wide excision, 18 (37%) of these 49 patients were found to have EPE at the site of the palpable abnormality; with wide excision of the NVB, only one of these 18 patients (6%) had a corresponding positive surgical margin (PSM). In 354 patients with a normal IOPE and who underwent bilateral NVB preservation, 30 were found to have EPE in the region of the NVB. The PSM rate in this subset was 23% (seven of 30). The positive predictive value of IOPE for detecting EPE was 37%. CONCLUSION: IOPE detects abnormalities in 12% of patients with preoperative stage T1c prostate cancer. Although the predictive value of this test is limited, IOPE may decrease PSMs in a subset of patients with EPE in the region of the NVB. The present study reaffirms the value of IOPE for assessing the risk of extraprostatic disease, and for guiding surgical management. PMID: 16225517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

March 15, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Sexual, psychological and dyadic qualities of the prostate cancer 'couple'.


Sexual, psychological and dyadic qualities of the prostate cancer 'couple'.
Related Articles Sexual, psychological and dyadic qualities of the prostate cancer 'couple'. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1939 Authors: Seftel A PMID: 16217353 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

March 12, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Obesity and capsular incision at the time of open retropubic radical prostatectomy.


Obesity and capsular incision at the time of open retropubic radical prostatectomy.
Related Articles Obesity and capsular incision at the time of open retropubic radical prostatectomy. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1798-801; discussion 1801 Authors: Freedland SJ, Grubb KA, Yiu SK, Nielsen ME, Mangold LA, Isaacs WB, Epstein JI, Partin AW PURPOSE: The goal of radical prostatectomy (RP) is complete removal of the intact prostate. Obese men can represent a technical challenge. However, to our knowledge objective data linking obesity with technically inferior surgery are lacking. Therefore, we examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and capsular incision at RP as a surrogate of a poor technical operation in men treated for prostate cancer by several high volume surgeons at a center of excellence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 7,027 men treated with anatomical retropubic RP between 1996 and 2004 by 7 high volume surgeons. We evaluated the association between BMI and capsular incision using logistic regression, adjusting for clinical and pathological variables, and for the surgeon. RESULTS: Overall capsular incision was noted in 4.6% of all RP specimens. After adjustment for preoperative prostate specific antigen, patient race, height, year of surgery, clinical stage, pathological Gleason sum, prostate weight, extraprostatic extension and seminal vesicle invasion increased BMI was associated with increased odds of capsular incision (p trend = 0.005). After further adjustment for surgeon mild obesity was associated with 30% increased odds of capsular incision (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.83), while moderate and severe obesity was associated with 57% increased odds of capsular incision (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.82 to 3.00) relative to normal weight men (p trend = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: In a study of more than 7,000 men treated by 7 experienced surgeons BMI was positively related to capsular incision. This suggests that open retropubic RP is technically more difficult in obese men, which results in a greater likelihood of a less than technically ideal operation. Although this may be predicted to have a negative impact on disease-free survival outcomes in obese men, it is unlikely to alone explain the worse outcomes in obese men noted in previous RP series. PMID: 16217290 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

February 27, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.


Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.
Related Articles Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status. BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):1005-8 Authors: Rapp DE, Orvieto MA, Lucioni A, Gong EM, Shalhav AL, Brendler CB OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of intra-operative prostate examination (IOPE) to predict extraprostatic extension (EPE) and its effect on margin status in the region of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) when combined with wide excision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 403 patients with clinical stage T1c prostate adenocarcinoma undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). All patients had IOPE during RRP, and those with palpable abnormalities in the region of the NVB underwent wide excision. Pathological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Of 403 patients, 49 (12%) had a palpable abnormality in the region of the NVB. After wide excision, 18 (37%) of these 49 patients were found to have EPE at the site of the palpable abnormality; with wide excision of the NVB, only one of these 18 patients (6%) had a corresponding positive surgical margin (PSM). In 354 patients with a normal IOPE and who underwent bilateral NVB preservation, 30 were found to have EPE in the region of the NVB. The PSM rate in this subset was 23% (seven of 30). The positive predictive value of IOPE for detecting EPE was 37%. CONCLUSION: IOPE detects abnormalities in 12% of patients with preoperative stage T1c prostate cancer. Although the predictive value of this test is limited, IOPE may decrease PSMs in a subset of patients with EPE in the region of the NVB. The present study reaffirms the value of IOPE for assessing the risk of extraprostatic disease, and for guiding surgical management. PMID: 16225517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

February 20, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Urinary estrogen metabolites, prostate specific antigen, and body mass index among African-American men in South Carolina.


Urinary estrogen metabolites, prostate specific antigen, and body mass index among African-American men in South Carolina.
Related Articles Urinary estrogen metabolites, prostate specific antigen, and body mass index among African-American men in South Carolina. Cancer Detect Prev. 2005;29(6):494-500 Authors: Teas J, Cunningham JE, Fowke JH, Nitcheva D, Kanwat CP, Boulware RJ, Sepkovic DW, Hurley TG, Hebert JR INTRODUCTION: Estrogen metabolites have been linked to risk of breast cancer, and we were interested in whether they are associated with prostate specific antigen (PSA) and other factors associated with prostate cancer. African-American (AA) men in South Carolina have among the highest prostate cancer rates in the world, and thus provide an ideal population in which to investigate this hypothesis. METHODS: We recruited AA men attending prostate cancer screenings in and around Columbia, South Carolina. Because very few men had elevated PSAs, we restricted our study to the 77 men whose PSA was below the cutpoint used by the screening program to indicate need for diagnostic workup. These men provided spot urine samples and answered demographic and lifestyle questions including self-reported body weight, height, exercise, tobacco use, medications, cancer history and age. Levels of urinary 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1), and their ratio (2/16) and blood PSA levels were determined. RESULTS: After adjusting for a statistically significant interaction between age and BMI, we found a reduction of 14.2% in 2-OHE1 for each 1.0 ng/ml increase in PSA (p=0.05). For obese AA men only (BMI> or =30 kg/m2), 2-OHE1 increased by 36% for each decade of age (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen metabolites may be related to PSA level in AA men. Older men with BMIs greater than 30 kg/m2 had an unexpected increase in 2-OHE1, suggesting a dysregulation of this estrogen metabolism pathway. Further studies of estrogen metabolites may provide insights into prostate cancer risk factors. PMID: 16289388 [PubMed - in process]

February 15, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Clinical and physical determinants for toxicity of 125-I seed prostate brachytherapy.


Clinical and physical determinants for toxicity of 125-I seed prostate brachytherapy.
Related Articles Clinical and physical determinants for toxicity of 125-I seed prostate brachytherapy. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1969-70 Authors: Albertsen PC PMID: 16217368 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

February 14, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Correlation between LUTS (AUA-SS) and erectile dysfunction (SHIM) in an age-matched racially diverse male population: data from the prostate cancer awareness week (PCAW).


Correlation between LUTS (AUA-SS) and erectile dysfunction (SHIM) in an age-matched racially diverse male population: data from the prostate cancer awareness week (PCAW).
Related Articles Correlation between LUTS (AUA-SS) and erectile dysfunction (SHIM) in an age-matched racially diverse male population: data from the prostate cancer awareness week (PCAW). J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1940 Authors: Seftel A PMID: 16217355 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Prostate Cancer Screening - Cancer chemotherapy by deoxynucleotide depletion and E2F-1 elevation.


Cancer chemotherapy by deoxynucleotide depletion and E2F-1 elevation.
Related Articles Cancer chemotherapy by deoxynucleotide depletion and E2F-1 elevation. Cancer Res. 2005 Sep 1;65(17):7809-14 Authors: Wang A, Li CJ, Reddy PV, Pardee AB We propose that the lethality of commonly used anticancer drugs, e.g., methotrexate and cis-platinum are due, at least in part, to an increase of the E2F-1-mediated apoptotic cascade. The drugs directly or indirectly decrease deoxynucleoside triphosphates. The E2F family acts to provide control of S phase by transcribing genes required for deoxynucleoside triphosphate and DNA synthesis. Thus, a mechanism for control of E2F-1 is essential, a signal safeguarding against aberrant or uncontrolled cell proliferation. We have proposed a feedback control by NTPs that down-regulates E2F-1. Here, we provide evidence in support of this hypothesis. PMID: 16140949 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

February 13, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - A prospective study of physical activity and incident and fatal prostate cancer Giovannucci EL, Liu Y, Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.


A prospective study of physical activity and incident and fatal prostate cancer Giovannucci EL, Liu Y, Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
Related Articles A prospective study of physical activity and incident and fatal prostate cancer Giovannucci EL, Liu Y, Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Urol Oncol. 2005 Nov-Dec;23(6):463-4 Authors: Smith JA BACKGROUND: Whether physical activity has benefits against prostate cancer incidence or progression is unclear. Therefore, we assessed physical activity in relation to prostate cancer incidence, mortality, and Gleason histologic grade. METHODS: We used data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a prospective cohort study, to determine the number of cases of incident, advanced (seminal vesicle invasion, metastasis, or fatal), fatal, and high-grade prostate cancer in a cohort of 47,620 US male health professionals, followed up from February 1, 1986, to January 31, 2000. RESULTS: During 14 years of follow-up, we documented 2892 new cases of prostate cancer, including 482 advanced cases (280 of which were fatal). For total prostate cancer, no association was observed for total, vigorous, and nonvigorous physical activity. In men 65 years or older, we observed a lower risk in the highest category of vigorous activity for advanced (multivariable relative risk, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.62, for more than 29 vs 0 metabolic equivalent hours) and for fatal (relative risk, 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.66) prostate cancer. No associations were observed in younger men. Differential screening by prostate-specific antigen or a reduction in physical activity due to undiagnosed prostate cancer did not appear to account for the results. Among cases, men with high levels of physical activity were less likely to be diagnosed with poorly differentiated cancers (Gleason grade >/=7). CONCLUSION: Although the mechanisms are not yet understood, these findings suggest that regular vigorous activity could slow the progression of prostate cancer and might be recommended to reduce mortality from prostate cancer, particularly given the many other documented benefits of exercise. PMID: 16301135 [PubMed - in process]

Prostate Cancer Screening - Serum levels of phytanic acid are associated with prostate cancer risk.


Serum levels of phytanic acid are associated with prostate cancer risk.
Related Articles Serum levels of phytanic acid are associated with prostate cancer risk. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1824 Authors: Walsh PC PMID: 16217297 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

February 12, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Salvage radiotherapy for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.


Salvage radiotherapy for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.
Related Articles Salvage radiotherapy for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):1009-13 Authors: Terai A, Matsui Y, Yoshimura K, Arai Y, Dodo Y OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of salvage radiotherapy (RT) for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 1999 and January 2004, 37 patients had salvage RT for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure after RP, including eight who had had neoadjuvant hormone therapy. After surgery, PSA was measured with ultrasensitive immunoassays. In all patients RT was delivered to the prostatic bed at a total dose of 60 Gy with a four-field box technique. RESULTS: The median (range) PSA level before salvage RT was 0.146 (0.06-3.216) ng/mL and RT was started at a PSA level of <0.5 ng/mL in 34 of the 37 patients (92%). With a median follow-up of 31.9 (0-69.8), months, 11 patients (30%) had disease progression after RT and the 3- and 5-year progression-free probability was 74% and 54%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that clinical and pathological tumour stages and PSA level before RT (>0.15 vs < or = 0.15 ng/mL) were significant predictors of disease progression. There were no late adverse events related to RT. CONCLUSION: Salvage RT for biochemical failure after RP at a low PSA level, using ultrasensitive immunoassays for monitoring, is a reasonably effective treatment. A relatively low radiation dose (60 Gy) seems to be effective. PMID: 16225518 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

February 09, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Incidence and management of gynecomastia in men treated for prostate cancer.


Incidence and management of gynecomastia in men treated for prostate cancer.
Related Articles Incidence and management of gynecomastia in men treated for prostate cancer. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1737-42 Authors: Dobs A, Darkes MJ PURPOSE: Gynecomastia is a potentially treatment limiting adverse event in men receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In large, randomized, placebo controlled studies approximately 50% or more of patients with prostate cancer experienced gynecomastia due to multiple mechanisms. Although its severity was mostly reported as mild to moderate, gynecomastia was cited as the reason for most premature withdrawals from therapy. In patients with advanced forms of prostate cancer bilateral orchiectomy was associated with the lowest incidence of gynecomastia, followed by nonsteroidal antiandrogen therapy, diethylstilbestrol and estrogen in rank order. RESULTS: It is important that gynecomastia is well managed in patients with prostate cancer who want to proceed with hormone therapy. Patients should be assessed for the likely etiology of gynecomastia and preventive therapy or treatment for established gynecomastia should be instituted. Prophylactic radiotherapy has been shown to decrease the incidence of hormone induced gynecomastia by more than 50%. An alternative course of action, which may be more convenient for the patient, is the prophylactic use of tamoxifen. Tamoxifen may also mitigate or resolve gynecomastia during its early or proliferative phase. In severe long-standing gynecomastia surgery is warranted since medical therapies are less likely to succeed. Aromatase inhibitors and 4-hydroxytamoxifen are investigational. CONCLUSIONS: Gynecomastia is a significant problem in men undergoing hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. It requires prompt recognition, evaluation and management. PMID: 16217274 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

February 08, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - The need to reduce patient discomfort during transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: what do we know?


The need to reduce patient discomfort during transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: what do we know?
Related Articles The need to reduce patient discomfort during transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: what do we know? BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):977-83 Authors: De Sio M, D'Armiento M, Di Lorenzo G, Damiano R, Perdon S, De Placido S, Autorino R PMID: 16225512 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

February 07, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Urinary estrogen metabolites, prostate specific antigen, and body mass index among African-American men in South Carolina.


Urinary estrogen metabolites, prostate specific antigen, and body mass index among African-American men in South Carolina.
Related Articles Urinary estrogen metabolites, prostate specific antigen, and body mass index among African-American men in South Carolina. Cancer Detect Prev. 2005;29(6):494-500 Authors: Teas J, Cunningham JE, Fowke JH, Nitcheva D, Kanwat CP, Boulware RJ, Sepkovic DW, Hurley TG, Hebert JR INTRODUCTION: Estrogen metabolites have been linked to risk of breast cancer, and we were interested in whether they are associated with prostate specific antigen (PSA) and other factors associated with prostate cancer. African-American (AA) men in South Carolina have among the highest prostate cancer rates in the world, and thus provide an ideal population in which to investigate this hypothesis. METHODS: We recruited AA men attending prostate cancer screenings in and around Columbia, South Carolina. Because very few men had elevated PSAs, we restricted our study to the 77 men whose PSA was below the cutpoint used by the screening program to indicate need for diagnostic workup. These men provided spot urine samples and answered demographic and lifestyle questions including self-reported body weight, height, exercise, tobacco use, medications, cancer history and age. Levels of urinary 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1), and their ratio (2/16) and blood PSA levels were determined. RESULTS: After adjusting for a statistically significant interaction between age and BMI, we found a reduction of 14.2% in 2-OHE1 for each 1.0 ng/ml increase in PSA (p=0.05). For obese AA men only (BMI> or =30 kg/m2), 2-OHE1 increased by 36% for each decade of age (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen metabolites may be related to PSA level in AA men. Older men with BMIs greater than 30 kg/m2 had an unexpected increase in 2-OHE1, suggesting a dysregulation of this estrogen metabolism pathway. Further studies of estrogen metabolites may provide insights into prostate cancer risk factors. PMID: 16289388 [PubMed - in process]

February 05, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Calcitonin increases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells: role for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A in calcitonin action.


Calcitonin increases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells: role for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A in calcitonin action.
Related Articles Calcitonin increases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells: role for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A in calcitonin action. Int J Cancer. 2005 Nov 20;117(4):551-60 Authors: Sabbisetti VS, Chirugupati S, Thomas S, Vaidya KS, Reardon D, Chiriva-Internati M, Iczkowski KA, Shah GV Calcitonin (CT) is synthesized and secreted in prostate epithelium, and its secretion from malignant prostates is several-fold higher than from benign prostates. CT receptor (CTR) is expressed in malignant prostate epithelium, and its activation stimulates growth of prostate cancer (PC) cells via activation of adenylyl cyclase and calcium/phospholipid pathways. To identify the role of "CT System" in prostate cancer, we tested the expression of CT and CTR mRNAs in invading tumor cells of prostate cancer specimens. The effect of CT on in vitro invasion of PC cell lines and on activation of gelatinases was also examined. The cells of primary tumors and those invading stroma co-expressed CT/CTR mRNAs. Exogenously added CT increased in vitro invasion of PC cell lines and caused a rapid, several-fold but transient increase in protein kinase A activity. In contrast, anti-CT serum caused a dose-dependent inhibition of in vitro invasion of PC-3M cells. CT also increased the concentration and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Rp.cAMP, a competitive inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, myristoylated protein kinase A inhibitory peptide (PKI) as well as the expression of dominant negative form of PKA all attenuated basal in vitro invasion of PC-3M cells, and CT could not increase in vitro invasiveness in their presence. These results suggest that overexpression of "CT System" in invasive PC tumors significantly contributes to increased invasiveness of prostate cancer cells. The action of CT may be mediated by protein kinase A signaling, which subsequently leads to increased cell invasion and secretion of gelatinases. PMID: 15929083 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 30, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Hand-assisted laparoscopic cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion.


Hand-assisted laparoscopic cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion.
Related Articles Hand-assisted laparoscopic cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1859-60 Authors: Smith JA PMID: 16217321 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 29, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Germline mutations of the MSR1 gene in prostate cancer families from Germany.


Germline mutations of the MSR1 gene in prostate cancer families from Germany.
Related Articles Germline mutations of the MSR1 gene in prostate cancer families from Germany. Hum Mutat. 2006 Jan;27(1):98-102 Authors: Maier C, Vesovic Z, Bachmann N, Herkommer K, Braun AK, Surowy HM, Assum G, Paiss T, Vogel W The MSR1 gene at 8p22 has been suggested as a candidate gene for hereditary prostate cancer because germline variants have been found to be associated with the disease. Aside from a single nonsense mutation (R293X) that was found repeatedly at low frequencies in several samples, little evidence has been gained by follow-up studies to confirm the gene's relevance for prostate cancer. Prompted by reasonable support for a linkage to 8p22, we sought to determine the mutation spectrum of MSR1 in our family sample. Screening of 139 probands (representing 139 prostate cancer families) revealed 15 novel and a total of 20 sequence variants within the 10 coding exons and their intronic proximities. Aside from the known mutation c.877C>T (R293X) present in two of our families, we identified a second nonsense allele (c.251C>G; S84X) and a splice-site mutation (c.818-1G>A) that results in mRNA instability (each in a single pedigree). The novel missense alleles were c.703C>T (H235Y), c.856C>T (P286S), c.905C>T (P302L), c.1193C>G (A398G), and c.1289A>G (K430R). Of the eight variants that affect the encoded protein (splice site, nonsense, and missense), only R293X as well as the polymorphism c.823C>G (P275A) were additionally present at remarkable frequencies in further samples of sporadic prostate cancer and controls. Of note, carriers of R293X were equally frequent in 367 sporadic prostate cancer cases (1.9%) and in 197 controls (2.0%). To our knowledge, our study is the first to demonstrate further loss of function variants of MSR1 apart from R293X. Nevertheless, the low frequencies of deleterious alleles, in addition to an apparently moderate penetrance, does not support MSR1 as a major susceptibility gene in this family sample. PMID: 16287155 [PubMed - in process]

January 28, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Clinical staging of prostate cancer: a computer-simulated study of transperineal prostate biopsy.


Clinical staging of prostate cancer: a computer-simulated study of transperineal prostate biopsy.
Related Articles Clinical staging of prostate cancer: a computer-simulated study of transperineal prostate biopsy. BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):999-1004 Authors: Crawford ED, Wilson SS, Torkko KC, Hirano D, Stewart JS, Brammell C, Wilson RS, Kawata N, Sullivan H, Lucia MS, Werahera PN OBJECTIVE: To identify the precise location of prostate cancer within the gland and thus possibly permit more aggressive therapy of the lesion, while potentially sparing the noncancerous gland from ablative therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional "solid" computer models were reconstructed for 86 autopsy specimens and 20 stage T1c radical prostatectomy specimens. Transperineal biopsies were simulated for grid sizes of 5-mm (method A) and 10-mm (method B) with an 18 G, 23-mm long biopsy needle. One or two biopsies per grid point were obtained for a total of 12-108 biopsies, depending on the size of the prostate. Clinically threatening cancers were defined as having volumes of > or = 0.5 mL or Gleason sum > or = 7. RESULTS: Method A detected significantly more carcinomas than method B in both the autopsy and prostatectomy specimens (autopsy, 72 vs 51; prostatectomy, 50 vs 32, both P < 0.001). Method A also detected more clinically threatening cancers found at autopsy (38/40 vs 31/40, P = 0.008). Among autopsy patients with negative sextant biopsies whose disease was localized to one side, method A detected 72% and method B detected 29-43% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this computer simulation show that 5- and 10-mm grid biopsies detect three-quarters and a third, respectively, at autopsy, of patients with the disease localized to one side of the prostate, which may be useful when planning highly selective ablative treatments in the future. PMID: 16225516 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 24, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Cancer chemotherapy by deoxynucleotide depletion and E2F-1 elevation.


Cancer chemotherapy by deoxynucleotide depletion and E2F-1 elevation.
Related Articles Cancer chemotherapy by deoxynucleotide depletion and E2F-1 elevation. Cancer Res. 2005 Sep 1;65(17):7809-14 Authors: Wang A, Li CJ, Reddy PV, Pardee AB We propose that the lethality of commonly used anticancer drugs, e.g., methotrexate and cis-platinum are due, at least in part, to an increase of the E2F-1-mediated apoptotic cascade. The drugs directly or indirectly decrease deoxynucleoside triphosphates. The E2F family acts to provide control of S phase by transcribing genes required for deoxynucleoside triphosphate and DNA synthesis. Thus, a mechanism for control of E2F-1 is essential, a signal safeguarding against aberrant or uncontrolled cell proliferation. We have proposed a feedback control by NTPs that down-regulates E2F-1. Here, we provide evidence in support of this hypothesis. PMID: 16140949 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 23, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Observed effect of age and body mass index on total and complexed PSA: analysis from a National Screening Program.


Observed effect of age and body mass index on total and complexed PSA: analysis from a National Screening Program.
Related Articles Observed effect of age and body mass index on total and complexed PSA: analysis from a National Screening Program. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1825-6 Authors: Walsh PC PMID: 16217298 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 21, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.


Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.
Related Articles Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status. BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):1005-8 Authors: Rapp DE, Orvieto MA, Lucioni A, Gong EM, Shalhav AL, Brendler CB OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of intra-operative prostate examination (IOPE) to predict extraprostatic extension (EPE) and its effect on margin status in the region of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) when combined with wide excision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 403 patients with clinical stage T1c prostate adenocarcinoma undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). All patients had IOPE during RRP, and those with palpable abnormalities in the region of the NVB underwent wide excision. Pathological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Of 403 patients, 49 (12%) had a palpable abnormality in the region of the NVB. After wide excision, 18 (37%) of these 49 patients were found to have EPE at the site of the palpable abnormality; with wide excision of the NVB, only one of these 18 patients (6%) had a corresponding positive surgical margin (PSM). In 354 patients with a normal IOPE and who underwent bilateral NVB preservation, 30 were found to have EPE in the region of the NVB. The PSM rate in this subset was 23% (seven of 30). The positive predictive value of IOPE for detecting EPE was 37%. CONCLUSION: IOPE detects abnormalities in 12% of patients with preoperative stage T1c prostate cancer. Although the predictive value of this test is limited, IOPE may decrease PSMs in a subset of patients with EPE in the region of the NVB. The present study reaffirms the value of IOPE for assessing the risk of extraprostatic disease, and for guiding surgical management. PMID: 16225517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 18, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence.


The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence.
Related Articles The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence. J Clin Pathol. 2005 Oct;58(10):1028-32 Authors: Emerson RE, Koch MO, Jones TD, Daggy JK, Juliar BE, Cheng L BACKGROUND: Positive surgical margins are an adverse prognostic factor in patients undergoing prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The extent of margin positivity varies and its influence on clinical outcome is uncertain. AIMS: To evaluate the linear extent of margin positivity and the number and location of positive sites as prognostic indicators in a series of prostatectomy specimens evaluated with the whole mount technique. METHODS: Eighty six consecutive margin positive prostatectomy specimens were evaluated, and all pathology data were collected prospectively. The linear extent of margin positivity was measured with an ocular micrometer and the total extent of all positive sites was summed. The total number of sites with positive margins and anatomical sites of the positive margins were analysed. RESULTS: The linear extent of margin positivity ranged from 0.01 to 68 mm (mean, 6.8; median, 3.0) and was associated with prostate specific antigen (PSA) recurrence in univariate logistic regression (p = 0.031). In addition, the extent of margin positivity weakly correlated with preoperative PSA (p = 0.017) and tumour volume (p = 0.013), but not with age, prostate weight, Gleason score, pathological stage, or perineural invasion. The total number of positive sites was significantly higher in patients with PSA recurrence (p = 0.037). The location of the positive margin site was not associated with PSA recurrence. The extent of margin positivity correlated with PSA recurrence in univariate analysis, although it had only marginal predictive value when adjusted for Gleason score (p = 0.076). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of margin positivity correlates with PSA recurrence in univariate analysis, although it has no predictive value independent of Gleason score. PMID: 16189146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 13, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma.


Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma.
Related Articles Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma. Lab Invest. 2005 Sep;85(9):1086-103 Authors: Ishii K, Shappell SB, Matusik RJ, Hayward SW Transgenic mouse models of cancer represent a powerful approach for exploring disease processes and testing potential therapeutic interventions. Currently, it is difficult to predict if a specific genetic manipulation will result in a desirable phenotype. The present study tests the idea that tissue recombinants recapitulate the pathologic features of the neoplastic prostate seen in transgenic mice, and would thus be suitable predictive models for new mouse design. The large probasin-large T-antigen (LPB-Tag) transgenic lines 12T-7f and 12T-10 were used as a basis for this study. Tissue recombinants of bladder epithelium (BlE) and urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) were implanted under the renal capsule of athymic mice. Recombinants composed of BlE from 12T-10 LPB-Tag and wild-type (wt) UGM faithfully recapitulated the histopathologic and temporal features of intact transgenic mice of this line. Tissue recombinants using BlE from 12T-7f mice and wt UGM developed epithelial proliferation with atypia that lacked the associated hypercellular stroma seen in the intact 12T-7f line. Recombinants using 12T-7f UGM demonstrated that the hypercellular stroma results from stromal cell expression of the SV40 large T antigen. Corresponding to the recombinant phenotypes, stromal Tag immunostaining was observed in prostate tissues from intact 12T-7f but not 12T-10 mice. Similar stromal expression of Tag was also noted in the hypercellular TRAMP prostatic stroma. Further analysis revealed a previously unreported pattern of SV40T expression in the LADY and TRAMP models including ductus deferens and seminal vesicle stroma as well as region and cell type-specific patterns in the epididymis. The present study demonstrates the utility of using tissue recombination to explore organ-specific phenotypes. Recombination strategies should enable quick and cost-effective screening for likely phenotypes in transgenic animals. This comparison of tissue recombination to existing models shows that this approach can elicit new information on well-characterized models. PMID: 15980886 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 12, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Detection rates and biologic significance of prostate cancer with PSA less than 4.0 ng/mL: observation and clinical implications from Tyrol screening project.


Detection rates and biologic significance of prostate cancer with PSA less than 4.0 ng/mL: observation and clinical implications from Tyrol screening project.
Related Articles Detection rates and biologic significance of prostate cancer with PSA less than 4.0 ng/mL: observation and clinical implications from Tyrol screening project. Urology. 2005 Nov;66(5):1029-33 Authors: Pelzer AE, Tewari A, Bektic J, Berger AP, Frauscher F, Bartsch G, Horninger W OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rates and Gleason scores in patients with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of 2.0 to 3.9 ng/mL and 4.0 to 10 ng/mL (free PSA 18% or less), in a population-based screening project. With the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, more PCa is being diagnosed at PSA values of less than 4 ng/mL. METHODS: A total of 3446 consecutive screening volunteers with a PSA level of 2.0 to 10.0 ng/mL (free PSA 18% or less) were assessed. Ten systematic prostate biopsies and an additional five Doppler-enhanced targeted biopsies were performed on the basis of age-specific PSA reference ranges. The cumulative frequency of detection and the Gleason scores were analyzed. RESULTS: The PCa detection rate for patients with a PSA value of 2.0 to 3.9 ng/mL (n = 1522, group 1) and 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL (n = 1924, group 2) was 21% (n = 320) and 30% (n = 572), respectively. Of the PCa cases detected, 37% were in men with a PSA level of 2 to 4 ng/mL. Statistically significant differences were found in age and prostate volume between groups 1 and 2, with patients in the lower PSA group younger and having a smaller mean prostate volume (P = 0.0001). Of 313 patients with PCa and a PSA value of 2 to 3.9 ng/mL, 24% had a Gleason score of 7 or greater compared with 33% of 560 patients with a PSA value of 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that in a screening population, more than one third of PCa cases in men with a PSA level of 2 to 10 ng/mL will occur in those with a PSA value of 2 to 3.9 ng/mL. Also, PCa cases with a low PSA level occur in younger patients and at lower stages with a smaller prostate volume. PMID: 16286118 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 11, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma.


Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma.
Related Articles Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma. Lab Invest. 2005 Sep;85(9):1086-103 Authors: Ishii K, Shappell SB, Matusik RJ, Hayward SW Transgenic mouse models of cancer represent a powerful approach for exploring disease processes and testing potential therapeutic interventions. Currently, it is difficult to predict if a specific genetic manipulation will result in a desirable phenotype. The present study tests the idea that tissue recombinants recapitulate the pathologic features of the neoplastic prostate seen in transgenic mice, and would thus be suitable predictive models for new mouse design. The large probasin-large T-antigen (LPB-Tag) transgenic lines 12T-7f and 12T-10 were used as a basis for this study. Tissue recombinants of bladder epithelium (BlE) and urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) were implanted under the renal capsule of athymic mice. Recombinants composed of BlE from 12T-10 LPB-Tag and wild-type (wt) UGM faithfully recapitulated the histopathologic and temporal features of intact transgenic mice of this line. Tissue recombinants using BlE from 12T-7f mice and wt UGM developed epithelial proliferation with atypia that lacked the associated hypercellular stroma seen in the intact 12T-7f line. Recombinants using 12T-7f UGM demonstrated that the hypercellular stroma results from stromal cell expression of the SV40 large T antigen. Corresponding to the recombinant phenotypes, stromal Tag immunostaining was observed in prostate tissues from intact 12T-7f but not 12T-10 mice. Similar stromal expression of Tag was also noted in the hypercellular TRAMP prostatic stroma. Further analysis revealed a previously unreported pattern of SV40T expression in the LADY and TRAMP models including ductus deferens and seminal vesicle stroma as well as region and cell type-specific patterns in the epididymis. The present study demonstrates the utility of using tissue recombination to explore organ-specific phenotypes. Recombination strategies should enable quick and cost-effective screening for likely phenotypes in transgenic animals. This comparison of tissue recombination to existing models shows that this approach can elicit new information on well-characterized models. PMID: 15980886 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 07, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Revisiting my personal decision about prostate-specific antigen testing in 2005.


Revisiting my personal decision about prostate-specific antigen testing in 2005.
Related Articles Revisiting my personal decision about prostate-specific antigen testing in 2005. BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):954-6 Authors: Barry MJ PMID: 16225507 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Prostate Cancer Screening - The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence.


The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence.
Related Articles The influence of extent of surgical margin positivity on prostate specific antigen recurrence. J Clin Pathol. 2005 Oct;58(10):1028-32 Authors: Emerson RE, Koch MO, Jones TD, Daggy JK, Juliar BE, Cheng L BACKGROUND: Positive surgical margins are an adverse prognostic factor in patients undergoing prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The extent of margin positivity varies and its influence on clinical outcome is uncertain. AIMS: To evaluate the linear extent of margin positivity and the number and location of positive sites as prognostic indicators in a series of prostatectomy specimens evaluated with the whole mount technique. METHODS: Eighty six consecutive margin positive prostatectomy specimens were evaluated, and all pathology data were collected prospectively. The linear extent of margin positivity was measured with an ocular micrometer and the total extent of all positive sites was summed. The total number of sites with positive margins and anatomical sites of the positive margins were analysed. RESULTS: The linear extent of margin positivity ranged from 0.01 to 68 mm (mean, 6.8; median, 3.0) and was associated with prostate specific antigen (PSA) recurrence in univariate logistic regression (p = 0.031). In addition, the extent of margin positivity weakly correlated with preoperative PSA (p = 0.017) and tumour volume (p = 0.013), but not with age, prostate weight, Gleason score, pathological stage, or perineural invasion. The total number of positive sites was significantly higher in patients with PSA recurrence (p = 0.037). The location of the positive margin site was not associated with PSA recurrence. The extent of margin positivity correlated with PSA recurrence in univariate analysis, although it had only marginal predictive value when adjusted for Gleason score (p = 0.076). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of margin positivity correlates with PSA recurrence in univariate analysis, although it has no predictive value independent of Gleason score. PMID: 16189146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

January 02, 2006

Prostate Cancer Screening - Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma.


Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma.
Related Articles Use of tissue recombination to predict phenotypes of transgenic mouse models of prostate carcinoma. Lab Invest. 2005 Sep;85(9):1086-103 Authors: Ishii K, Shappell SB, Matusik RJ, Hayward SW Transgenic mouse models of cancer represent a powerful approach for exploring disease processes and testing potential therapeutic interventions. Currently, it is difficult to predict if a specific genetic manipulation will result in a desirable phenotype. The present study tests the idea that tissue recombinants recapitulate the pathologic features of the neoplastic prostate seen in transgenic mice, and would thus be suitable predictive models for new mouse design. The large probasin-large T-antigen (LPB-Tag) transgenic lines 12T-7f and 12T-10 were used as a basis for this study. Tissue recombinants of bladder epithelium (BlE) and urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) were implanted under the renal capsule of athymic mice. Recombinants composed of BlE from 12T-10 LPB-Tag and wild-type (wt) UGM faithfully recapitulated the histopathologic and temporal features of intact transgenic mice of this line. Tissue recombinants using BlE from 12T-7f mice and wt UGM developed epithelial proliferation with atypia that lacked the associated hypercellular stroma seen in the intact 12T-7f line. Recombinants using 12T-7f UGM demonstrated that the hypercellular stroma results from stromal cell expression of the SV40 large T antigen. Corresponding to the recombinant phenotypes, stromal Tag immunostaining was observed in prostate tissues from intact 12T-7f but not 12T-10 mice. Similar stromal expression of Tag was also noted in the hypercellular TRAMP prostatic stroma. Further analysis revealed a previously unreported pattern of SV40T expression in the LADY and TRAMP models including ductus deferens and seminal vesicle stroma as well as region and cell type-specific patterns in the epididymis. The present study demonstrates the utility of using tissue recombination to explore organ-specific phenotypes. Recombination strategies should enable quick and cost-effective screening for likely phenotypes in transgenic animals. This comparison of tissue recombination to existing models shows that this approach can elicit new information on well-characterized models. PMID: 15980886 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

December 29, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Re: luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist effects on skeletal muscle: how hormonal therapy in prostate cancer affects muscular strength.


Re: luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist effects on skeletal muscle: how hormonal therapy in prostate cancer affects muscular strength.
Related Articles Re: luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist effects on skeletal muscle: how hormonal therapy in prostate cancer affects muscular strength. J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):2068-9 Authors: Marcora S, Oliver S, Callow N, Lemmey A, Stuart N PMID: 16217402 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

December 19, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.


Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.
Related Articles

Intra-operative prostate examination: predictive value and effect on margin status.

BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):1005-8

Authors: Rapp DE, Orvieto MA, Lucioni A, Gong EM, Shalhav AL, Brendler CB

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of intra-operative prostate examination (IOPE) to predict extraprostatic extension (EPE) and its effect on margin status in the region of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) when combined with wide excision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 403 patients with clinical stage T1c prostate adenocarcinoma undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). All patients had IOPE during RRP, and those with palpable abnormalities in the region of the NVB underwent wide excision. Pathological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Of 403 patients, 49 (12%) had a palpable abnormality in the region of the NVB. After wide excision, 18 (37%) of these 49 patients were found to have EPE at the site of the palpable abnormality; with wide excision of the NVB, only one of these 18 patients (6%) had a corresponding positive surgical margin (PSM). In 354 patients with a normal IOPE and who underwent bilateral NVB preservation, 30 were found to have EPE in the region of the NVB. The PSM rate in this subset was 23% (seven of 30). The positive predictive value of IOPE for detecting EPE was 37%. CONCLUSION: IOPE detects abnormalities in 12% of patients with preoperative stage T1c prostate cancer. Although the predictive value of this test is limited, IOPE may decrease PSMs in a subset of patients with EPE in the region of the NVB. The present study reaffirms the value of IOPE for assessing the risk of extraprostatic disease, and for guiding surgical management.

PMID: 16225517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Rapp DE, Orvieto MA, Lucioni A, Gong EM, Shalhav AL, Brendler CB

December 14, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Androgen deprivation use with external beam radiation for prostate cancer:


Androgen deprivation use with external beam radiation for prostate cancer: results from CaPSURE.
Related Articles

Androgen deprivation use with external beam radiation for prostate cancer: results from CaPSURE.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1802-7

Authors: Park S, Meng MV, Elkin EP, Speight JL, DuChane J, Carroll PR

PURPOSE: Recent data support the role of androgen deprivation in men undergoing external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The benefits of neoadjuvant, concurrent or adjuvant treatment have been limited to men at intermediate and high risk. We examined the patterns and predictors of androgen deprivation in men undergoing external beam radiation therapy in CaPSURE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CaPSURE is an observational, longitudinal disease registry, from which 932 men met study inclusion criteria. Androgen deprivation was classified as neoadjuvant-within 9 months of radiation or adjuvant-from the start of radiation to 6 months after completion. Time trends in androgen deprivation as well factors associated with combined therapy were elucidated using multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In this study 40%, 39% and 21% of men could be categorized into high, intermediate and low risk groups, respectively. Overall 42% and 33% of patients received neoadjuvant and adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy, respectively. Between 1997 and 2002 neoadjuvant hormone use increased significantly in all risk groups, including patients at low risk. On multivariate analyses only the year of diagnosis and clinical risk group were associated with receiving androgen deprivation with radiation. CONCLUSIONS: A significant increase in combined androgen deprivation and external radiation was observed in the last decade in men with intermediate and high risk disease. Nevertheless, more widespread acceptance is necessary since a substantial minority continue to receive radiation alone. Many patients with low risk disease that is amenable to radiation monotherapy also receive androgen deprivation. No clinical or sociodemographic features predicted the use of androgen deprivation with external radiation.

PMID: 16217291 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Park S, Meng MV, Elkin EP, Speight JL, DuChane J, Carroll PR

Prostate Cancer Screening - Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for


Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.
Related Articles

Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1808-13; discussion 1813

Authors: Raghavan D, Brandes LJ, Klapp K, Snyder T, Styles E, Tsao-Wei D, Lieskovsky G, Quinn DI, Ramsey EW

PURPOSE: Symptomatic, hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRCAP) is a major cause of morbidity with a median survival of less than 12 months and a 2-year survival of only up to 10% in most series. Mitoxantrone has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for HRCAP. Preliminary data suggest that DPPE (N,N-diethyl-2-[4-(phenylmethyl) phenoxy]-ethanamine) or tesmilifene modulates cytotoxics to enhance the anticancer effect. In this phase II trial we assessed whether there is sufficient evidence of enhanced efficacy of DPPE and mitoxantrone to lead to a phase III clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients with a median age of 73 years, of whom 10% were older than 80 years, with progressive HRCAP received 5.3 mg/kg DPPE intravenously every 3 weeks, 12 mg/m mitoxantrone intravenously every weeks and 5 mg prednisone orally twice daily. All patients had pain at presentation, while 97% had bone metastases, 10% had liver metastases and 17% had lung metastases. Median prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 210 ng/ml (IQR 77 to 430). RESULTS: Of the patients 75% had some pain improvement, 66% had decreased analgesia, 59% had a PSA decrease of 50% or greater and 45% had a PSA decrease of 75% or greater. Actual (not actuarial) 2-year survival was 21%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite major limitations of historical comparison the PSA decrease and decreased symptoms with DPPE-mitoxantrone-prednisone compare favorably to those of mitoxantrone-prednisone and docetaxel-estramustine in the literature. The 2-year survival rate of 21% mandates further assessment. This will be tested in a phase III Southwest Oncology Group trial.

PMID: 16217292 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Raghavan D, Brandes LJ, Klapp K, Snyder T, Styles E, Tsao-Wei D, Lieskovsky G, Quinn DI, Ramsey EW

December 12, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Deregulated expression of prostate apoptosis response gene-4 in less differentiated


Deregulated expression of prostate apoptosis response gene-4 in less differentiated lymphocytes and inverse expressional patterns of par-4 and bcl-2 in acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Related Articles

Deregulated expression of prostate apoptosis response gene-4 in less differentiated lymphocytes and inverse expressional patterns of par-4 and bcl-2 in acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Hematol J. 2001;2(2):103-7

Authors: Boehrer S, Chow KU, Puccetti E, Ruthardt M, Godzisard S, Krapohl A, Schneider B, Hoelzer D, Mitrou PS, Rangnekar VM, Weidmann E

INTRODUCTION: Prostate apoptosis response gene-4, known as par-4, is a new proapoptotic factor functionally required but not sufficient for apoptosis. Since there is evidence from prostate cancer cells that par-4 is involved in regulation of bcl-2 we assessed expression of par-4 and bcl-2 in different populations of normal and neoplastic lymphocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of par-4 mRNA and protein in different subpopulations of normal and neoplastic lymphocytes was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Par-4 mRNA was not detectable in lymphocytes of healthy volunteers (n = 10), but was present in the majority of samples of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 30), chronic lymphocytic leukemia/prolymphocytic leukemia (n = 6) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (n = 10). Par-4 protein was expressed unanimously in samples of mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers and patients with CLL, but less frequently in immature lymphocytes, including neoplastic cells of CLL/PLL and ALL. The decreased frequency of par-4 expression in immature subpopulations was confirmed by results on lymphocytic cell lines at various stages of maturation. Comparing the expressional patterns of par-4 and bcl-2 there was an inverse relationship of both proteins in ALL and different lymphocytic cell lines, indicating a functional relationship of par-4 and bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes par-4 as a factor expressed in the majority of normal and neoplastic lymphocytic cells, demonstrating a decreased frequency of protein expression in less differentiated lymphocytes and an inverse expressional pattern of par-4 and bcl-2 in lymphocytic cell lines and ALL.

PMID: 11424002 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Boehrer S, Chow KU, Puccetti E, Ruthardt M, Godzisard S, Krapohl A, Schneider B, Hoelzer D, Mitrou PS, Rangnekar VM, Weidmann E

December 11, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in untreated and androgen-deprived patients


Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in untreated and androgen-deprived patients with prostate cancer.
Related Articles

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in untreated and androgen-deprived patients with prostate cancer.

Pathol Res Pract. 2005;201(8-9):593-8

Authors: Aslan G, Cimen S, Yorukoglu K, Tuna B, Sonmez D, Mungan U, Celebi I

The aim of the study was to investigate immunohistochemically the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in untreated and androgen-deprived patients with prostate cancer. The study included 20 patients with prostate cancer who had undergone transurethral prostatectomy due to infravesical obstruction. All patients had been receiving androgen deprivation therapy for at least 3 months. Transurethral prostatectomy specimens were examined for VEGF expression after androgen deprivation, and the biopsy samples of the same patients were used for the evaluation of VEGF expression before androgen deprivation. VEGF expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Staining patterns determined by the staining scores were compared before and after treatment. The correlation of VEGF expression with PSA, Gleason score, and the percent change in PSA after treatment was also investigated. Eligible biopsy specimens were available in 15 of the 20 patients, allowing for the evaluation of VEGF expression before treatment. All prostate cancer specimens were positive. VEGF was localized mainly in the cytoplasm or on the membrane of carcinoma cells. Staining was strong in 86.7% of patients before androgen deprivation. Heterogeneous staining (strong in 25%, moderate in 35%, and weak in 40%) was observed after treatment. Staining scores were significantly higher in patients before androgen deprivation and showed a significant decrease after androgen deprivation (p = 0.007). Tumor staining correlated with Gleason score. No significant correlation was determined between VEGF expression and pre-treatment PSA and percent change of PSA after treatment. Immunohistochemical results indicate that VEGF expression is downregulated by androgen deprivation therapy. VEGF may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in prostate cancer.

PMID: 16259113 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Aslan G, Cimen S, Yorukoglu K, Tuna B, Sonmez D, Mungan U, Celebi I

Prostate Cancer Screening - Estimation of treatment benefits when PSA screening for prostate cancer


Estimation of treatment benefits when PSA screening for prostate cancer is discontinued at different ages.
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Estimation of treatment benefits when PSA screening for prostate cancer is discontinued at different ages.

Urology. 2005 Nov;66(5):1038-42

Authors: Ross KS, Guess HA, Carter HB

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the declining benefits of screening for prostate cancer as patient age at screening increases. The benefits of prostate cancer screening decline with age because of the long natural history of prostate cancer and competing causes of death among older men. METHODS: We used a previously described Monte Carlo simulation based on a Markov model of prostate cancer detection in men aged 40 to 90 years and simulated prostate cancer screening in 1000 populations of 1,000,000 men each. The age at the final prostate-specific antigen test in the model was varied to simulate the discontinuation of screening from age 50 to 80 years. The model outputs were the number of men treated, the number of prostate cancer deaths prevented by treatment, and person-years of life saved. RESULTS: The relationship between treatments required to prevent a death was not constant but widened with age. Compared with screening to age 65 years, screening to age 75 and 80 years required twice and three times, respectively, the number of treatments per person-year of life saved. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have helped to quantify the declining treatment benefit as the patient age at screening and treatment for prostate cancer increases. We believe that men older than 70 years should be carefully counseled about the declining benefits of prostate cancer detection with screening.

PMID: 16286120 [PubMed - in process]


Ross KS, Guess HA, Carter HB

December 10, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Estimation of treatment benefits when PSA screening for prostate cancer


Estimation of treatment benefits when PSA screening for prostate cancer is discontinued at different ages.
Related Articles

Estimation of treatment benefits when PSA screening for prostate cancer is discontinued at different ages.

Urology. 2005 Nov;66(5):1038-42

Authors: Ross KS, Guess HA, Carter HB

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the declining benefits of screening for prostate cancer as patient age at screening increases. The benefits of prostate cancer screening decline with age because of the long natural history of prostate cancer and competing causes of death among older men. METHODS: We used a previously described Monte Carlo simulation based on a Markov model of prostate cancer detection in men aged 40 to 90 years and simulated prostate cancer screening in 1000 populations of 1,000,000 men each. The age at the final prostate-specific antigen test in the model was varied to simulate the discontinuation of screening from age 50 to 80 years. The model outputs were the number of men treated, the number of prostate cancer deaths prevented by treatment, and person-years of life saved. RESULTS: The relationship between treatments required to prevent a death was not constant but widened with age. Compared with screening to age 65 years, screening to age 75 and 80 years required twice and three times, respectively, the number of treatments per person-year of life saved. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have helped to quantify the declining treatment benefit as the patient age at screening and treatment for prostate cancer increases. We believe that men older than 70 years should be carefully counseled about the declining benefits of prostate cancer detection with screening.

PMID: 16286120 [PubMed - in process]


Ross KS, Guess HA, Carter HB

December 08, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Lidocaine suppositories for prostate biopsy. Related Articles Lidocaine suppositories for


Lidocaine suppositories for prostate biopsy.
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Lidocaine suppositories for prostate biopsy.

BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):1028-30

Authors: Fink KG, Gnad A, Meissner P, G tschl R, Schmeller NT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in a randomized prospective study, the efficiency of transrectal lidocaine suppositories to reduce pain during transrectal prostate biopsy, as suppositories allow longer for the agent to be effective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 100 patients were randomized to receive either a placebo suppository or 10 mL of 2% (200 mg) lidocaine gel rectally 10 min before biopsy, or a suppository containing 60 mg lidocaine 1 or 2 h before biopsy. Costs (in euros) per application were 0.82 for gel and 0.63 for suppositories. In all patients the same 10-core biopsy technique was used. Pain was evaluated using a visual linear pain scale ranging from 0 to 100 points; the patient's side of the scale did not show the number of points. RESULTS: The mean pain scores in the placebo, lidocaine gel, and lidocaine suppositories applied 1 h and 2 h before biopsy were 36.2, 40.9, 29.2 and 21.2, respectively. Thus patients with no anaesthesia reported 25% more pain than those receiving lidocaine suppositories 1 h before and 71% more pain than those receiving lidocaine suppositories 2 h before biopsy (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine suppositories at a lower dose and with longer to take effect can be used to reduce pain significantly more effectively than the commonly used gel. As suppositories are easy to use and cheap, they are recommended in daily routine prostate biopsy.

PMID: 16225522 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Fink KG, Gnad A, Meissner P, G tschl R, Schmeller NT

December 05, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Clinical staging of prostate cancer: a computer-simulated study of transperineal


Clinical staging of prostate cancer: a computer-simulated study of transperineal prostate biopsy.
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Clinical staging of prostate cancer: a computer-simulated study of transperineal prostate biopsy.

BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):999-1004

Authors: Crawford ED, Wilson SS, Torkko KC, Hirano D, Stewart JS, Brammell C, Wilson RS, Kawata N, Sullivan H, Lucia MS, Werahera PN

OBJECTIVE: To identify the precise location of prostate cancer within the gland and thus possibly permit more aggressive therapy of the lesion, while potentially sparing the noncancerous gland from ablative therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional "solid" computer models were reconstructed for 86 autopsy specimens and 20 stage T1c radical prostatectomy specimens. Transperineal biopsies were simulated for grid sizes of 5-mm (method A) and 10-mm (method B) with an 18 G, 23-mm long biopsy needle. One or two biopsies per grid point were obtained for a total of 12-108 biopsies, depending on the size of the prostate. Clinically threatening cancers were defined as having volumes of > or = 0.5 mL or Gleason sum > or = 7. RESULTS: Method A detected significantly more carcinomas than method B in both the autopsy and prostatectomy specimens (autopsy, 72 vs 51; prostatectomy, 50 vs 32, both P < 0.001). Method A also detected more clinically threatening cancers found at autopsy (38/40 vs 31/40, P = 0.008). Among autopsy patients with negative sextant biopsies whose disease was localized to one side, method A detected 72% and method B detected 29-43% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this computer simulation show that 5- and 10-mm grid biopsies detect three-quarters and a third, respectively, at autopsy, of patients with the disease localized to one side of the prostate, which may be useful when planning highly selective ablative treatments in the future.

PMID: 16225516 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Crawford ED, Wilson SS, Torkko KC, Hirano D, Stewart JS, Brammell C, Wilson RS, Kawata N, Sullivan H, Lucia MS, Werahera PN

December 04, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Germline mutations of the MSR1 gene in prostate cancer families


Germline mutations of the MSR1 gene in prostate cancer families from Germany.
Related Articles

Germline mutations of the MSR1 gene in prostate cancer families from Germany.

Hum Mutat. 2005 Nov 14;27(1):98-102

Authors: Maier C, Vesovic Z, Bachmann N, Herkommer K, Braun AK, Surowy HM, Assum G, Paiss T, Vogel W

The MSR1 gene at 8p22 has been suggested as a candidate gene for hereditary prostate cancer because germline variants have been found to be associated with the disease. Aside from a single nonsense mutation (R293X) that was found repeatedly at low frequencies in several samples, little evidence has been gained by follow-up studies to confirm the gene's relevance for prostate cancer. Prompted by reasonable support for a linkage to 8p22, we sought to determine the mutation spectrum of MSR1 in our family sample. Screening of 139 probands (representing 139 prostate cancer families) revealed 15 novel and a total of 20 sequence variants within the 10 coding exons and their intronic proximities. Aside from the known mutation c.877C>T (R293X) present in two of our families, we identified a second nonsense allele (c.251C>G; S84X) and a splice-site mutation (c.818-1G>A) that results in mRNA instability (each in a single pedigree). The novel missense alleles were c.703C>T (H235Y), c.856C>T (P286S), c.905C>T (P302L), c.1193C>G (A398G), and c.1289A>G (K430R). Of the eight variants that affect the encoded protein (splice site, nonsense, and missense), only R293X as well as the polymorphism c.823C>G (P275A) were additionally present at remarkable frequencies in further samples of sporadic prostate cancer and controls. Of note, carriers of R293X were equally frequent in 367 sporadic prostate cancer cases (1.9%) and in 197 controls (2.0%). To our knowledge, our study is the first to demonstrate further loss of function variants of MSR1 apart from R293X. Nevertheless, the low frequencies of deleterious alleles, in addition to an apparently moderate penetrance, does not support MSR1 as a major susceptibility gene in this family sample. Hum Mutat 27(1), 98-102, 2006. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PMID: 16287155 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]


Maier C, Vesovic Z, Bachmann N, Herkommer K, Braun AK, Surowy HM, Assum G, Paiss T, Vogel W

November 29, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for


Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.
Related Articles

Phase II trial of tesmilifene plus mitoxantrone and prednisone for hormone refractory prostate cancer: high subjective and objective response in patients with symptomatic metastases.

J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):1808-13; discussion 1813

Authors: Raghavan D, Brandes LJ, Klapp K, Snyder T, Styles E, Tsao-Wei D, Lieskovsky G, Quinn DI, Ramsey EW

PURPOSE: Symptomatic, hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRCAP) is a major cause of morbidity with a median survival of less than 12 months and a 2-year survival of only up to 10% in most series. Mitoxantrone has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for HRCAP. Preliminary data suggest that DPPE (N,N-diethyl-2-[4-(phenylmethyl) phenoxy]-ethanamine) or tesmilifene modulates cytotoxics to enhance the anticancer effect. In this phase II trial we assessed whether there is sufficient evidence of enhanced efficacy of DPPE and mitoxantrone to lead to a phase III clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients with a median age of 73 years, of whom 10% were older than 80 years, with progressive HRCAP received 5.3 mg/kg DPPE intravenously every 3 weeks, 12 mg/m mitoxantrone intravenously every weeks and 5 mg prednisone orally twice daily. All patients had pain at presentation, while 97% had bone metastases, 10% had liver metastases and 17% had lung metastases. Median prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 210 ng/ml (IQR 77 to 430). RESULTS: Of the patients 75% had some pain improvement, 66% had decreased analgesia, 59% had a PSA decrease of 50% or greater and 45% had a PSA decrease of 75% or greater. Actual (not actuarial) 2-year survival was 21%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite major limitations of historical comparison the PSA decrease and decreased symptoms with DPPE-mitoxantrone-prednisone compare favorably to those of mitoxantrone-prednisone and docetaxel-estramustine in the literature. The 2-year survival rate of 21% mandates further assessment. This will be tested in a phase III Southwest Oncology Group trial.

PMID: 16217292 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Raghavan D, Brandes LJ, Klapp K, Snyder T, Styles E, Tsao-Wei D, Lieskovsky G, Quinn DI, Ramsey EW

Prostate Cancer Screening - Link between exercise and lower risk for prostate cancer found.


Link between exercise and lower risk for prostate cancer found.
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Link between exercise and lower risk for prostate cancer found.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Sep 15;227(6):858-9

Authors:

PMID: 16190576 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Prostate Cancer Screening - Effects of 2,4-D and DCP on the DHT-induced androgenic action


Effects of 2,4-D and DCP on the DHT-induced androgenic action in human prostate cancer cells.
Related Articles

Effects of 2,4-D and DCP on the DHT-induced androgenic action in human prostate cancer cells.

Toxicol Sci. 2005 Nov;88(1):52-9

Authors: Kim HJ, Park YI, Dong MS

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and its metabolite 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) are used extensively in agriculture as herbicides, and are suspected of potential endocrine disruptor activity. In a previous study, we showed that these compounds exhibited synergistic androgenic effects by co-treatment with testosterone in the Hershberger assay. To elucidate the mechanisms of the synergistic effects of these compounds on the androgenicity of testosterone, the androgenic action of 2,4-D and DCP was characterized using a mammalian detection system in prostate cancer cell lines. In in vitro assay systems, while 2,4-D or DCP alone did not show androgenic activity, 2,4-D or DCP with 5alpha-dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) exhibited synergistic androgenic activities. Co-treatment of 10 nM 2,4-D or DCP with 10 nM DHT was shown to stimulate the cell proliferation by 1.6-fold, compared to 10 nM DHT alone. In addition, in transient transfection assays, androgen-induced transactivation was also increased to a maximum of 32-fold or 1.28-fold by co-treatment of 2,4-D or DCP with DHT, respectively. However, 2,4-D and DCP exerted no effects on either mRNA or protein levels of AR. In a competitive AR binding assay, 2,4-D and DCP inhibited androgen binding to AR, up to 50% at concentrations of approximately 0.5 microM for both compounds. The nuclear translocation of green fluorescent protein-AR fusion protein in the presence of DHT was promoted as the result of the addition of 2,4-D and DCP. Collectively, these results that 2,4-D and DCP enhanced DHT-induced AR transcriptional activity might be attributable, at least in part, to the promotion of AR nuclear translocation.

PMID: 16107550 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Kim HJ, Park YI, Dong MS

November 28, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Satraplatin in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Related Articles


Satraplatin in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
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Satraplatin in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

BJU Int. 2005 Nov;96(7):990-4

Authors: Sternberg CN

PMID: 16225514 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Sternberg CN

November 26, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Role of SRC-1 in the promotion of prostate cancer cell


Role of SRC-1 in the promotion of prostate cancer cell growth and tumor progression.
Related Articles

Role of SRC-1 in the promotion of prostate cancer cell growth and tumor progression.

Cancer Res. 2005 Sep 1;65(17):7959-67

Authors: Agoulnik IU, Vaid A, Bingman WE, Erdeme H, Frolov A, Smith CL, Ayala G, Ittmann MM, Weigel NL

Prostate cancer is initially androgen dependent and there is evidence that androgen receptor continues to play a role in androgen-independent prostate cancer. Androgen receptor activity depends both on the level of androgens and on the level of coactivators that interact with androgen receptor. Our goal was to evaluate the role of the androgen receptor coactivator SRC-1 in prostate cancer progression. Using tissue arrays to measure SRC-1 protein levels, we found that increased SRC-1 expression in clinically localized, androgen-dependent cancer is associated with clinical and pathologic variables of increased tumor aggressiveness. Interestingly, there was variable expression of SRC-1 in normal prostate tissue which correlated with the staining intensity of the corresponding cancer tissue. To test the contribution of SRC-1, we examined its role in androgen-dependent LNCaP and androgen-independent C4-2 prostate cancer cell lines. Using small interfering RNA to reduce expression of androgen receptor, we found that androgen receptor was required both for cell growth and for basal expression of prostate-specific antigen in the androgen-independent C4-2 cell line. Thus, although the cells can grow in an androgen-depleted medium, they remained androgen receptor dependent. Reduction of SRC-1 expression significantly reduced growth and altered androgen receptor target gene regulation in both LNCaP and C4-2 cell lines whereas it had no effect on the growth of the androgen receptor-negative PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines. Although the requirement for androgens and androgen receptor in the development of prostate cancer is well established, our study implicates enhanced androgen receptor activity through elevated expression of SRC-1 in the development of more aggressive disease in men with prostate cancer.

PMID: 16140968 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Agoulnik IU, Vaid A, Bingman WE, Erdeme H, Frolov A, Smith CL, Ayala G, Ittmann MM, Weigel NL

November 25, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - [Prostate neoplasms--tumor grading and magnetic resonance spectroscopy] Related Articles [Prostate


[Prostate neoplasms--tumor grading and magnetic resonance spectroscopy]
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[Prostate neoplasms--tumor grading and magnetic resonance spectroscopy]

Rofo. 2005 Oct;177(10):1342

Authors:

PMID: 16170697 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


November 24, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Role of SRC-1 in the promotion of prostate cancer cell


Role of SRC-1 in the promotion of prostate cancer cell growth and tumor progression.
Related Articles

Role of SRC-1 in the promotion of prostate cancer cell growth and tumor progression.

Cancer Res. 2005 Sep 1;65(17):7959-67

Authors: Agoulnik IU, Vaid A, Bingman WE, Erdeme H, Frolov A, Smith CL, Ayala G, Ittmann MM, Weigel NL

Prostate cancer is initially androgen dependent and there is evidence that androgen receptor continues to play a role in androgen-independent prostate cancer. Androgen receptor activity depends both on the level of androgens and on the level of coactivators that interact with androgen receptor. Our goal was to evaluate the role of the androgen receptor coactivator SRC-1 in prostate cancer progression. Using tissue arrays to measure SRC-1 protein levels, we found that increased SRC-1 expression in clinically localized, androgen-dependent cancer is associated with clinical and pathologic variables of increased tumor aggressiveness. Interestingly, there was variable expression of SRC-1 in normal prostate tissue which correlated with the staining intensity of the corresponding cancer tissue. To test the contribution of SRC-1, we examined its role in androgen-dependent LNCaP and androgen-independent C4-2 prostate cancer cell lines. Using small interfering RNA to reduce expression of androgen receptor, we found that androgen receptor was required both for cell growth and for basal expression of prostate-specific antigen in the androgen-independent C4-2 cell line. Thus, although the cells can grow in an androgen-depleted medium, they remained androgen receptor dependent. Reduction of SRC-1 expression significantly reduced growth and altered androgen receptor target gene regulation in both LNCaP and C4-2 cell lines whereas it had no effect on the growth of the androgen receptor-negative PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines. Although the requirement for androgens and androgen receptor in the development of prostate cancer is well established, our study implicates enhanced androgen receptor activity through elevated expression of SRC-1 in the development of more aggressive disease in men with prostate cancer.

PMID: 16140968 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Agoulnik IU, Vaid A, Bingman WE, Erdeme H, Frolov A, Smith CL, Ayala G, Ittmann MM, Weigel NL

Prostate Cancer Screening - Prostate Cancer Screening; +56 new citations 56 new PubMed citations


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November 15, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Acute genitourinary toxicity after high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy combined with hypofractionated


Acute genitourinary toxicity after high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy combined with hypofractionated external-beam radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer: correlation between the urethral dose in HDR brachytherapy and the severity of acute genitourinary toxicity.
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Acute genitourinary toxicity after high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy combined with hypofractionated external-beam radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer: correlation between the urethral dose in HDR brachytherapy and the severity of acute genitourinary toxicity.

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2005 Oct 1;63(2):463-71

Authors: Akimoto T, Ito K, Saitoh J, Noda SE, Harashima K, Sakurai H, Nakayama Y, Yamamoto T, Suzuki K, Nakano T, Niibe H

PURPOSE: Several investigations have revealed that the alpha/beta ratio for prostate cancer is atypically low, and that hypofractionation or high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy regimens using appropriate radiation doses may be expected to yield tumor control and late sequelae rates that are better or at least as favorable as those achieved with conventional radiation therapy. In this setting, we attempted treating localized prostate cancer patients with HDR brachytherapy combined with hypofractionated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using this approach, with special emphasis on the relationship between the severity of acute genitourinary (GU) toxicity and the urethral dose calculated from the dose-volume histogram (DVH) of HDR brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between September 2000 and December 2003, 70 patients with localized prostate cancer were treated by iridium-192 HDR brachytherapy combined with hypofractionated EBRT at the Gunma University Hospital. Hypofractionated EBRT was administered in fraction doses of 3 Gy, three times per week; a total dose of 51 Gy was delivered to the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles using the four-field technique. No elective pelvic irradiation was performed. After the completion of EBRT, all the patients additionally received transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided HDR brachytherapy. The fraction size and the number of fractions in HDR brachytherapy were prospectively changed, whereas the total radiation dose for EBRT was fixed at 51 Gy. The fractionation in HDR brachytherapy was as follows: 5 Gy x 5, 7 Gy x 3, 9 Gy x 2, administered twice per day, although the biologic effective dose (BED) for HDR brachytherapy combined with EBRT, assuming that the alpha/beta ratio is 3, was almost equal to 138 in each fractionation group. The planning target volume was defined as the prostate gland with 5-mm margin all around, and the planning was conducted based on computed tomography images. The number of patients in each fractionation group was as follows: 13 in the 5-Gy group; 19 in the 7-Gy group, and 38 in the 9-Gy group. The tumor stage was T1 in 10 patients, T2 in 36 patients, and T3 in 24 patients. The Gleason score was 2-6 in 11 patients, 7 in 34 patients, and 8-10 in 25 patients. Androgen ablation was performed in all the patients. The median follow-up duration was 14 months (range 3-42 months). The toxicities were graded based on the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer toxicity criteria. RESULTS: The main symptoms of acute GU toxicity were dysuria and increase in urinary frequency or nocturia. The grade distribution of acute GU toxicity in the patients was as follows: Grade 0-1, 39 patients (56%), and Grade 2-4, 31 patients (44%). One patient who developed acute urinary obstruction was classified as having Grade 4 toxicity. Comparison of the distribution of the grade of acute GU toxicity among the different fractionation groups revealed no statistically significant differences among the groups. The urethral dose in HDR brachytherapy was evaluated using the following DVH parameters: V30 (percentage of the urethral volume receiving 30% of the prescribed radiation dose), V80, V90, V100, V110, V120, V130, and V150. The V30-110 values in the patients with Grade 2-4 acute GU toxicity were significantly higher than those in patients with Grade 0-1 toxicity. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the V120-150 values between patients with Grade 0-1 and Grade 2-4 toxicity. Regarding the influence of the number of needles implanted for the radiation therapy, patients with 11 needles or less showed a significantly higher incidence of Grade 2-4 acute GU toxicity compared with those with 12 needles or more (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that HDR brachytherapy combined with hypofractionated EBRT is feasible for localized prostate cancer when considered from the viewpoint of acute toxicity. Increase in the fraction dose or reduction in the number of fractions in HDR brachytherapy did not affect the severity of acute GU toxicity, and the volume of urethra receiving an equal or lower radiation dose than the prescribed dose was more closely associated with the grade severity of acute GU toxicity than that receiving a higher than the prescribed dose.

PMID: 16168838 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Akimoto T, Ito K, Saitoh J, Noda SE, Harashima K, Sakurai H, Nakayama Y, Yamamoto T, Suzuki K, Nakano T, Niibe H

November 13, 2005

Prostate Cancer Screening - Prostate cancer among African-American males: understanding the current issues. Related


Prostate cancer among African-American males: understanding the current issues.
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Prostate cancer among African-American males: understanding the current issues.

J Natl Black Nurses Assoc. 2005 Jul;16(1):55-62

Authors: Jones RA, Wenzel J

Prostate cancer affects African-American males within the United States in a disproportionate number compared to White males. African-American males are 1.7 times more likely to develop and 2-3 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than White males. Numerous reasons for this disparity exist, including low socioeconomic status, distrust, conflicting cultural beliefs, and past health-care experiences. Controversies surrounding this topic and perhaps contributing to the disparity include cancer-screening recommendations, cancer-related myths, and potential prevention modalities. Nursing research must focus on cancer-related issues among African-Americans to increase the awareness and knowledge of health-care professionals and the public to help decrease morbidity and mortality within African-Americans and other minority populations, and particularly among more vulnerable sections of at-risk minority populations. This article focuses on current issues related to African-American men and prostate health.

PMID: 16255315 [PubMed - in process]


Jones RA, Wenzel J