UPDATE - Issue 10 - January 2002
Prostate Research Campaign awards more research grants
Helping to finance promising research projects with the money you have raised
Prostate Research Campaign UK has recently awarded a new round of financial grants for research. Some of the titles are a bit daunting so we have asked one of our trustees, Neil O'Donoghue, to add a sentence or two in Plain English for the benefit of the majority of our readers.
Dr S.J.Harland PSA negative prostate cancer
In the late 80's and early 90's a worryingly high proportion of patients undergoing operations for Benign Prostatic Enlargement were found to have cancer even though their PSA was below 4.0. PSA negative prostate cancer, remains an important issue in the context of early detection in that we can't absolutely guarantee a man that he does not have a risk of prostate cancer on the strength of his low PSA reading. The problem has been addressed to a certain extent by refinements in PSA testing. The use of age related PSA ranges is helpful. Free total ratios have also added to the predictive value and reduced the incidence of false negatives. The rate of change of PSA over time is perhaps the most single most useful assurance where a man attends for regular PSA testing on an annual basis and one establishes a profile of his PSA levels.
Dr Ricky Sharma et al Gene expression associated with oxidative DNA and protein damage in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer
One of the most favoured theories for the initiation process of cancer is tissue damage by free radicals. Free radicals are positively charged particles that can damage tissues and have a potential role in the causation and development of cancer. Anti-oxidants are now quite widely recommended as preventative measures, particularly in relation to the pre-cursor of high grade PIN. We have very little evidence as yet in relation to this, and I think it is an important and quite exciting area of research.
Prof. John Masters Outcome following radical prostatectomy.
This refers to the database which now includes approximately 1000 radical prostatectomy specimens. We have supported the setting up of this database which is now the largest of its kind. It represents a very important basis for further research.
Prof. John Masters and Charlotte Foley Prostate Cancer Stem Cells
Professor John Masters' group at the Institute of Urology have identified a group of cells taken from benign prostatic tissue which divide and multiply actively on tissue culture. The potential significance of this finding is that these may possibly be the cells of origin of prostate cancer. If this indeed proves to be the case, it is obviously a very useful prospect as a laboratory tool and could lead to further discoveries.
Dr George W Yardy et al Characterisation of loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 18q and alterations in the wnt signalling pathway of prostate carcinogenesis
This project, of course, refers to a search into the underlying genetic predisposition to prostate cancer. Unlike breast cancer, identification of a causative gene in prostate cancer remains elusive.
Dr Abbas Khadra Proinflammatory cytokine levels in semen and urine in men with chronic prostatitis
Mr Richard Batstone et al Auto-immune Prostatitis
We supported both of these projects in prostatitis because it is a somewhat neglected "Cinderella" area and there is no doubt that men with intractable prostatitis suffer a great deal. The first project is studying substances which mediate an inflammatory reaction and should increase our understanding of the mechanisms involved in this disease. The second project is looking at autoimmunity where the body mounts an inflammatory reaction against its own tissues. This would seem to be a possibility in some forms of prostatitis.
Mrs Pamela Barker Modulation of protein expression by conjugated linoleic acid in prostate cancer cells. There is widespread interest in the possible role of diet in the development of prostate cancer. This study is looking at the role of fats in prostatic cancer tissue culture lines.
Dr Patrick Stone et al Evaluation of the quality of life of patients receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
The title of this one should be more or less self explanatory!
Mr A A G Bryden et al Development of cell culture systems to study bone metastasis in prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, tends to spread preferentially to bone. Secondary deposits in the skeleton are a characteristic feature of late prostate cancer. Anything which increases our understanding of this mechanism is potentially of great importance and could lead to new forms of treatment for men with advanced disease.