Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States. Estimates say that there are 219,000 cases being reported yearly. Sadly, 27,000 annually die from this type of cancer alone.
Recent developments in the war against cancer have shown that there is a bright future for a prostate cancer vaccine. In phase 1 trials, researchers and doctors in University of Iowa have developed a vaccine that could prevent metastatic prostate cancer in men. The vaccine has also showed promise in strengthening the immune response against cancer cells that might develop in the prostate.
The study involved 32 men with metastatic prostate cancer. It was revealed that 68% -70% of the subjects developed immune responses to prostate specific antigen or PSA (an protein that is a marker of the likelihood of prostate cancer). The study also revealed that 57 % survived longer than predicted while 47 % doubled their expected lifespans. The longest survivor had his lifespan extended for 6 more years.
The study was done to test the vaccine’s safety and to find out that if there were no adverse effects for the treatment. The Phase1 trial lasted for 12 months with the findings being reported on May 18, 2008 at the annual American Urological Association meeting in Orlando.
It is of note that this study is not yet conclusive, though the vaccine has been tested on human subjects. All men especially those above 50 years old or younger men who have a family history of prostate cancer should have their prostate exam done.
As with all serious diseases, early detection, lifestyle modification, and reduction or elimination of risk factors are still the primary weapons in the ongoing war against prostate cancer.
Sources:
Here’s a video representation on how prostate cancer can develop and spread throughout the male human body:
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