ALL ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER

Urodynamix Awarded NRC-IRAP Support For New Prostate Cancer Detection Technology, Canada
Urodynamix Technologies Ltd. (TSX-V:URO) announced that it has received a non-refundable financial contribution from the National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) to help accelerate the development and commercialization of new NIRS technology for the detection of prostate cancer during the digital rectal examination, or DRE.
Idaho jury sentences serial child killer to death
SPOKANE, Washington (Reuters) - A federal jury in Idaho sentenced Joseph Duncan on Wednesday to death for shooting to death a 9-year-old boy in front of his younger sister after kidnapping and sexually abusing the boy.

Obese Prostate Cancer Patients May Benefit More From Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy, also called seed implants, may be a more beneficial treatment than surgery or external beam radiation therapy for overweight or obese prostate cancer patients, according to a study published in the August issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
Number of uninsured Americans declines modestly
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fewer Americans went without health insurance last year for the first time since President George W. Bush took office as more people received government coverage, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

Doctors ‘keep cancer drugs quiet’
Doctors are keeping cancer patients in the dark about expensive new drugs that could extend their lives, a poll shows.
Study links preterm births, simmering infections (AP)
AP - Infections may play a bigger role in premature birth than doctors have thought, says a new study that found almost one in seven women in preterm labor harbored bacteria or fungi in their amniotic fluid.
Mathematical Model Helps Predict Cancer Tumor Size
Title: Mathematical Model Helps Predict Cancer Tumor Size
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/20/2008

New Prostate Cancer Test Is Ready For Commercialization Following Successful Completion Of Final Clinical Trials
Health Discovery Corporation (”HDC”) (OTCBB: HDVY) announced that HDC’s new gene-based molecular diagnostic test for prostate cancer has now successfully completed it’s Phase III double-blind clinical trial and is now ready for commercialization to be used by physicians on their patients at risk of having prostate cancer. The new prostate cancer test will be performed at Clarient’s Clinical Laboratory in Aliso Viejo, CA. HDC will receive 30% royalty on each test performed.
Consumer confidence bounces
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumer confidence recovered more than expected in August as fears over inflation eased, while financial markets combed through housing data on Tuesday for reasons to hope the worst may be over.

Aggressive TB treatment ’success’
Tuberculosis which is resistant to many treatments can be overcome with aggressive therapy, research suggests.
Attorney: Obese Texas woman didn’t strike nephew (AP)
AP - A nearly half-ton Texas woman charged in the death of her toddler nephew couldn’t have beaten the boy to death because of her limited movement from weight problems, her attorney said Tuesday.
Mathematical Model Helps Predict Cancer Tumor Size
Title: Mathematical Model Helps Predict Cancer Tumor Size
Category: Health News
Created: 8/20/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/20/2008

Synthetic Molecules Could Add Spice To Fight Against Cancer
Seeking to improve on nature, scientists used a spice-based compound as a starting point and developed synthetic molecules that, in lab settings, are able to kill cancer cells and stop the cells from spreading. The researchers are combining organic chemistry, computer-aided design and molecular biology techniques in developing and testing pharmaceutical compounds that can fight breast and prostate cancer cells.
Brain stimulation improves memory in Alzheimer’s
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Electrical stimulation of the brain may improve memory and recognition in elderly people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, results of a study hint.

From BBC Health
Reducing your risk of developing heart disease
Face transplant patient can smile, blink again (AP)

AP - Transplanting faces may seem like science fiction, but doctors say the experimental surgeries could one day become routine. Two of the world’s three teams that have done partial face transplants reported Friday that their techniques were surprisingly effective, though complications exist and more work is still needed.

Cancer Survival Rates Vary by Country
Title: Cancer Survival Rates Vary by Country
Category: Health News
Created: 7/17/2008
Last Editorial Review: 7/17/2008

Obese Prostate Cancer Patients May Benefit More From Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy, also called seed implants, may be a more beneficial treatment than surgery or external beam radiation therapy for overweight or obese prostate cancer patients, according to a study published in the August issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
Vaccine cures dangerous yeast infections in mice
CHICAGO (Reuters) - A vaccine helped mice fight off a life-threatening type of yeast infection, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a finding that holds promise for preventing this severe condition as well as pesky vaginal infections.

Childhood pets linked to snoring
Growing up with a pet dog could increase your chances of being a snorer later in life, claims a Swedish study.
Audits of Medicare drug plans lacking (AP)
AP - Nearly three years into the Medicare drug benefit, federal officials have yet to ensure that private drug plans enacted programs to deter fraud and abuse, government investigators say.

Inhibiting 2 Pathways Rather Than 1 Enhances Anti-Tumor Effects
Two independent research groups have found that simultaneous inhibition of two signaling pathways resulted in substantially enhanced antitumor effects in mouse models of prostate and breast cancer. In an accompany commentary, Steven Grant, at Virginia Commonwealth University Health Science Center, Richmond, discusses the clinical importance of these studies and highlights some of the questions that still need to be answered.

Options In Prostate Cancer Surgery: Perineal Prostatectomy In The Age Of Minimally Invasive Surgery
UroToday.com - In the age of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic and robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy has been associated with a substantial increase in operative costs without a significant improvement in outcomes to date. As a result, there has been renewed interest in one of the original approaches to prostate cancer.

Kayaking Prostate Cancer Survivor To Finish 1,700 Mile Paddle In NYC
While Olympic athletes will begin vying for champion status this weekend in Beijing, Skip Ciccarelli, a 60-year-old survivor of prostate cancer, will complete his own Olympian effort. When he paddles up to New York’s Pier 66 at noon on Saturday, he will be completing a 1,700 mile, 54-day kayak trek to raise awareness for prostate cancer–one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, second only to melanomas. The day also marks the seventh anniversary of his prostatectomy.
Prostate cancer risk increased in obese men: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Use of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, especially long-term use, appears to raise the risk of prostate cancer among obese men, according to findings of a new study.

Dead certain
Can your risk of dying really be as high as 114%?
Computer-Based Method IDs Alzheimer’s Protein Structures (HealthDay)
HealthDay - FRIDAY, Aug. 22 (HealthDay News) — A new method of identifying protein structures related to Alzheimer’s disease has been developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Surgery Helps With Prostate Cancer, Sometimes
Title: Surgery Helps With Prostate Cancer, Sometimes
Category: Health News
Created: 8/13/2008 9:18:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/13/2008

PSA Dynamics And Nomograms In The Diagnosis And Treatment Planning For Prostate Cancer
UroToday.com - The introduction of PSA as a marker for prostate cancer has dramatically altered how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated. Along with the improvements in diagnosis and treatment options has come the realization that as men age prostate cancer is relatively common and that not all prostate cancer is fatal and necessarily needs to be actively treated.
Yoga eases physical and mental menopause symptoms
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Yoga can reduce hot flashes and night sweats among women going through menopause, and also appears to sharpen their mental function, researchers from India report.

Heart disease and stroke

Face transplant patient can smile, blink again (AP)

AP - Transplanting faces may seem like science fiction, but doctors say the experimental surgeries could one day become routine. Two of the world’s three teams that have done partial face transplants reported Friday that their techniques were surprisingly effective, though complications exist and more work is still needed.

Obese Men Face Twin Threat From Prostate Cancer
Title: Obese Men Face Twin Threat From Prostate Cancer
Category: Health News
Created: 8/9/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/11/2008

Alternative Nonsteroidal Antiandrogen Therapy For Advanced Prostate Cancer That Relapsed After Initial Maximum Androgen Blockade
UroToday.com - In the September, 2008 issue of the Journal of Urology, Dr. Hiroyoshi Suzuki and Japanese collaborators reported that following maximum androgen blockade (MAB) for prostate cancer (CaP), the use of alternative nonsteroidal antiandrogens is effective for treating relapsed disease. A total of 232 CaP patients treated with MAB and disease progression made up the study cohort. Upon disease relapse they were treated with an alternative antiandrogen.
FDA to allow radiation of spinach and lettuce
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Health regulators have approved the use of ionizing radiation for fresh spinach and lettuce, saying the technique already approved for other foods can help control harmful bacteria and other pathogens.

‘Better’ end of life care pledge
Moves to improve care for terminally ill patients will be made after concerns over access, the Scottish Government says.
Extra pounds mean insurance fees for Ala. workers (AP)

AP - Alabama, pushed to second in national obesity rankings by deep-fried Southern favorites, is cracking down on state workers who are too fat.

Surgery Helps With Prostate Cancer, Sometimes
Title: Surgery Helps With Prostate Cancer, Sometimes
Category: Health News
Created: 8/13/2008 9:18:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/13/2008

Synthetic Molecules Could Add Spice To Fight Against Cancer
Seeking to improve on nature, scientists used a spice-based compound as a starting point and developed synthetic molecules that, in lab settings, are able to kill cancer cells and stop the cells from spreading. The researchers are combining organic chemistry, computer-aided design and molecular biology techniques in developing and testing pharmaceutical compounds that can fight breast and prostate cancer cells.
Canada confirms three dead from food poisoning
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Three people in Ontario have died in a food poisoning outbreak that may be linked to sandwich meat from one of the country’s largest meat processors, Canadian health officials said on Friday.

Dead certain
Can your risk of dying really be as high as 114%?
Extra pounds mean insurance fees for Ala. workers (AP)

AP - Alabama, pushed to second in national obesity rankings by deep-fried Southern favorites, is cracking down on state workers who are too fat.

New Guidelines Rule Out Prostate Screening for Men Over 75
Title: New Guidelines Rule Out Prostate Screening for Men Over 75
Category: Health News
Created: 8/5/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2008

Health Risk Behaviors And Prostate Specific Antigen Awareness Among Men In California
UroToday.com - In the August 2008 issue of the Journal of Urology, Dr. Firas Ahmed and associates investigated the correlation between certain health risk behaviors and awareness of the PSA test among men residing in California. They hypothesized that men reporting health risk behaviors would have less awareness of the PSA test. The study used the 2003 CHIS, a population based, random digit-dialing telephone survey conducted between August 2003 and February 2004.

Options In Prostate Cancer Surgery: Perineal Prostatectomy In The Age Of Minimally Invasive Surgery
UroToday.com - In the age of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic and robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy has been associated with a substantial increase in operative costs without a significant improvement in outcomes to date. As a result, there has been renewed interest in one of the original approaches to prostate cancer.
Preeclampsia raises kidney failure risk
BOSTON (Reuters) - Preeclampsia, which produces high blood pressure and other problems in 5 percent of pregnancies, can significantly increase the risk of kidney failure decades later, Norwegian researchers reported on Wednesday.

Tag for aggressive bowel cancer
UK scientists find a marker for aggressive bowel cancers needing the most treatment.
Health Tip: Monitor the Mercury in Your Food (HealthDay)
HealthDay - (HealthDay News) — Mercury is found in many types of fish and shellfish. Because significant amounts of mercury can harm unborn babies and young children, women who are or may become pregnant, those who are nursing, and young children should avoid some kinds of seafood.

Options In Prostate Cancer Surgery: Perineal Prostatectomy In The Age Of Minimally Invasive Surgery
UroToday.com - In the age of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic and robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy has been associated with a substantial increase in operative costs without a significant improvement in outcomes to date. As a result, there has been renewed interest in one of the original approaches to prostate cancer.
Arsenic has firm link to diabetes in U.S. study
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Arsenic, a naturally occurring poison and carcinogen found in ground water, is strongly linked to adult-onset diabetes, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

Stop smoking pill ‘quit success’
A controversial drug is boosting the success of smokers in England in kicking the habit, NHS figures suggest.

Risk Of Prostate Cancer After Diagnosis Of Atypical Glands Suspicious For Carcinoma On Saturation And Traditional Biopsies
UroToday.com - In the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Urology, Dr. Robert Abouassaly and associates from the Cleveland Clinic reported that the finding of atypia on prostate biopsy is associated with a high likelihood of underlying malignancy, regardless of the number of cores taken at the initial biopsy. The investigators performed this study, because some have suggested that equivocal findings, such as atypia, are due to inadequate prostate sampling at initial biopsy.

Prostatitis And Inflammatory Conditions Of The Prostate
Objectives * Provide an overview of the prostatitis syndromes * Present a practical approach to diagnosis * Summarize current treatment options Materials and Methods The recent literature on the prostatitis syndromes was reviewed with particular reference to randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs).
Pneumonia vaccination important for diabetics
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Researchers from Denmark say they have “strong evidence” that diabetes is associated with a 25 percent to 75 percent increase in the relative risk of hospitalization due to pneumonia.

Pregnancy timeline
A week by week guide to pregnancy taking in how the baby develops, changes to the mother and key scan dates.
ED Drug Relieves Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, Aug. 19 (HealthDay News) — A daily dose of the erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil (Cialis) helped relieve lower urinary tract symptoms in men with signs of enlarged prostates, according to a new study.
Study Links Agent Orange to Prostate Cancer in Vietnam Vets
Title: Study Links Agent Orange to Prostate Cancer in Vietnam Vets
Category: Health News
Created: 8/7/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/7/2008

Alternative Vaccine Strategy Shows Promise In Prostate Cancer Patients
New research indicates that giving patients a continuous low dose of an immune system booster, a method known as metronomic dosing, as part of a therapeutic prostate cancer vaccine strategy is safe and produces similar immune responses and fewer side effects than the more common dosing method, which is not well tolerated by many patients. This study, led by researchers at that National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, was published in the Aug.
Merck Vioxx study was for marketing: researchers
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The primary purpose of a 1999 clinical study that Merck & Co Inc said was done to test side effects of Vioxx was actually to support a marketing campaign before the now-withdrawn painkiller’s launch, according to U.S. researchers.

Heart disease and stroke

Trace arsenic in water may be linked with diabetes (AP)
AP - A new analysis of government data is the first to link low-level arsenic exposure, possibly from drinking water, with Type 2 diabetes, researchers say. The study’s limitations make more research necessary. And public water systems were on their way to meeting tougher U.S. arsenic standards as the data were collected.

Dendreon Initiates Second Of Two New Phase 2 Trials Of PROVENGE For Prostate Cancer
Dendreon Corporation (Nasdaq: DNDN) announced that the Company has initiated its second of two new Phase 2 trials of PROVENGE(R) (sipuleucel-T), Dendreon’s investigational active cellular immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The multicenter trial, called ProACT (PROstate Active Cellular Therapy), has begun enrolling 120 patients with metastatic, androgen independent prostate cancer.

Erectile Dysfunction And The Prostate: What Are The Connections?
UroToday.com - Prostate cancer is the leading malignancy in American men and causes more than 60,000 deaths annually. Treatment of prostate cancer with either surgery, radiation therapy, cryotherapy or medical treatment is associated with significant life altering morbidity. Both incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED) are too often sequelae of these treatment alternatives. ED can be a significant complication and can alter the life of both the prostate cancer patient and his partner.

The Influence Of Serial Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening On The PSA Velocity At Diagnosis
UroToday.com - The PSA test is now a widely used test for screening men for prostate cancer in the United States. Since it was first introduced more than 20 years ago, the most common presentation of a man with newly diagnosed prostate cancer has changed dramatically. Compared to the era before PSA, he is younger, has less aggressive cancer, and his tumor stage is more favorable.
Childhood eczema tied to asthma risk later
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children with the allergic skin condition eczema are at increased risk of developing asthma well into adulthood, according to a decades-long study.

Boys ‘grow out of child asthma’
Boys are more likely than girls to grow out of childhood asthma when they hit their teenage years, research shows.
Egyptian septuplets’ mom hopes to hold them soon (AP)

AP - A day after giving birth to septuplets, a 27-year-old Egyptian woman said Sunday she’s only seen her babies on television and hopes to hold them and name them soon.

Supplements OK for Cancer Survivors?
Title: Supplements OK for Cancer Survivors?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/13/2008
Last Editorial Review: 8/13/2008