New Research Sheds Light on Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer was first officially identified in 1853 and was thought to be a rare disease by early doctors.  Today, prostate cancer is recognized as the most commonly reported cancer for men in the United States, and the second most common cancer worldwide.  Every year, hundreds of thousands of men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, yet there is no definite cure.  Scientists have also been unable to point to an exact cause of prostate cancer, though there is evidence linking factors such as genetics, diet and medication.  However, a recent study has led scientists in a new direction in their search for understanding prostate cancer.

Recent research has shown the significance of a class of molecules called microRNA.  One of the major roles microRNA plays in the human body deals with controlling which genes are expressed.  In other words, microRNA helps tell the body’s DNA when to turn genes on and off.  According to new research, certain types of microRNA can be associated with the growth of cancer cells. These microRNA’s are referred to as oncomirs.

One oncomir in particular has been shown to have a significant influence on prostate cancer cells.  This oncomir is known as microRNA-27a (or miR-27a for short).  While testosterone levels have long been linked to prostate cancer, it is was only recently discovered that testosterone produces higher levels of miR-27a in the body, which directly stimulate the production of prostate cancer cells. This suggests that testosterone itself may not be linked to prostate cancer, but rather the increased levels of miR-27a that come with it.  In addition, research has also shown that miR-27a interferes with the production of a protein called prohibitin, a tumor suppressing protein.  The benefit of this discovery is that it is much easier to create microRNA inhibitors than to create proteins.

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Photo by Horia Varlan

While the field for studying microRNA is still relatively young, this discovery brings scientists in a new direction and marks significant progress in prostate cancer research.  Although the news has generated a lot of excitement, it will still take some time before these findings can be applied in humans.

Photo by Rdecom

As with any cancer, early detection is going to be your best bet for a good prognosis.  It is important to be screened regularly to catch any abnormalities before they potentially become serious.  If you are a male over 50, or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk with your urologist about testing options. There are many different options available and your doctor can help determine which is best for you.

For more information on prostate cancer, vasectomy, or erectile dysfunction treatment in Las Vegas, contact Dr. Michael S. Kaplan and his experienced staff at (702) 454-6226.

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