A World of Opportunity
Prostate cancer – a global concern While prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, many countries across the globe are working to find better treatments and methods of diagnosis and prevention. In the future, closer co-operation will help further our understanding of prostate cancer. Here’s an overview of just some of the research underway worldwide.
How you can participate in research Researchers are always on the look out for men to help with their studies and if you would like to help, you can find out more about upcoming research studies and what taking part in a trial involves by visiting www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/research
Canada
Biomarker programme
In Canada a newly funded research programme into biomarkers aims to develop early detection and improved diagnosis of prostate cancer. Biomarkers are measurable characteristics of cells that can describe normal or abnormal biological processes. Identification of predictive biomarkers will provide critical information for designing improved treatment strategies.
Scotland
Molecular study
A project in Scotland is investigating a newly discovered signalling pathway as a potential target for new treatment for prostate cancer. It is hoped that this research will eventually lead to developing new drugs that will inhibit specific molecules in men with prostate cancer.
USA
New surgical techniques
A great deal of research and studies are taking place in America. Advances are being made, with the support of the National Cancer Institute, in the development of new surgical techniques, such as roboticassisted laparoscopic surgery, which may help decrease the time needed to recover from surgery and shorten the length of hospitalisation
Sweden
DNA testing
Following research conducted in Stockholm and the USA it’s believed a new DNA test may prove helpful in identifying prostate cancer. The test would supplement current methods that have relatively low sensitivity, resulting in fewer men having to undergo unnecessary biopsies and more diagnoses being made.
Japan
The effect of diet
According to a study in Japan, drinking green tea may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Further research is needed but the fact that prostate cancer is much less prevalent among Asian men could be partly due to the high consumption of green tea in Asia.
Australia
Gene therapy
Researchers in Australia are developing a form of gene therapy to treat prostate cancer. The genes are delivered directly to tumours, activating a cell-killing drug to destroy them once inside. And as the drug is only activated in prostate cells, other parts of the body are unaffected.
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