'Milestone' prostate cancer drug “里程碑”前列腺癌藥物

By James Gallagher, Health editor, BBC News website

• 29 October 2015
 
• From the sectionHealth

Image copyrightSPL

The first drug that targets precise genetic mutations in prostate cancer has been shown to be effective in a "milestone" trial by UK scientists.

The study, at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, took place on 49 men with untreatable cancer.

The drug, olaparib, had low overall success, but slowed tumour growth in 88% of patients with specific DNA mutations.

Cancer Research UK said the trial was exciting.

The future of cancer medicine is treating cancers by their mutated DNA rather than what part of the body they are in.

The breast cancer drug Herceptin is already used only in patients with specific mutations. Olaparib targets mutations that change the way DNA is repaired.

Image copyrightThinkstock

The trial results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed the drug worked in 14 out of 16 men with such mutations.

Levels of Prostate Specific Antigen, which is produced by tumours, was more than halved and there were also significant falls in the number of prostate cancer cells detected in the blood and in the size of secondary tumours.

Patients responded to the drug for between six months and nearly a year and a half.

One of the researchers, Dr Joaquin Mateo, told the BBC News website: "It is very promising.

"Those entering the trial had an expected survival of 10 to 12 months and we have many patients on the drug for longer than a year."

Image copyrightSPL

Image captionProstate cancer can spread to bone (in green)

Prostate cancer is the fifth most deadly type of cancer in men.

However, a larger clinical trial is needed before doctors can say if the drug extends life expectancy.

Dr Mateo added: "This is the first drug that targets specific genetically defined populations and we are going to see more and more of these coming in the next few years."

The advantage of targeted drugs is they can be given only to those patients who will respond, which both saves money and spares patients unnecessary side effects.

Some of the patients in the study were born with mutated DNA repair genes while in others the mutation developed inside the tumour.

'Significant step'

Professor Johann de Bono, the head of drug development at the Institute of Cancer Research said: "Our trial marks a significant step forward in the treatment of prostate cancer.

"I hope it won't be long before we are using olaparib in the clinic to treat prostate cancer."

However, the drugs watchdog in England - the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - has already rejected olaparib for ovarian cancer on grounds - at £4,000 a month - of cost.

Cancer Research UK's Dr Aine McCarthy added: "This trial is exciting because it could offer a new way to treat prostate cancer by targeting genetic mistakes in cancers that have spread.

"The hope is that this approach could help save many more lives in the future."

Follow James on Twitter.

September 23-25, 2016 BC Support Groups Workshop

Hello to all interested prostate cancer support group folks:

In 2013 the BC Prostate Cancer Support Group Council with the support of Prostate Cancer Foundation BC (and several terrific sponsors) held a highly successful conference in Vancouver.

We are going to do it again - - in September of 2016:

• A workshop to enlighten, to inspire, and to expand your horizons.
• Save the date on your calendars now.  
• Plan your trips and vacations around this weekend so as not to miss out.
• September 23(Fri), 24(Sat), 25(Sun), 2016.
• For registration please click here.

Kevin Higgins,

Chair,  Prostate Cancer Foundation BC Support Group Council 
_______________________________________________________
In 2013 we put together a set of workshops that provided a double focus:

1. successful support group leadership
2. new and exciting advances in prostate cancer care and treatment 

And we are ready to do it again.

This year we will be combining our efforts with the Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer Conference.  This is an exciting full day of "the latest findings regarding prostate cancer treatment, prevention, survivorship and scientific progress" put together by the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute of Portland, OR, the University of Washington School of Medicine and the University of British Columbia Cancer Agency Research Centre.  This will be our Saturday (Nov 24) program.

_______________________________________________________

October Webinars and Support Group

October 6, 2015 Tuesday 10:00am

InspireHealth’s LIFE Webinar Series is a cancer care education program that you can access online from anywhere in Canada, including at your home or office. Four live sessions are provided in a convenient online format in which you can ask questions to a health practitioner.

Already an InspireHealth member? Please use our members-page to do a quick register:
http://www.inspirehealth.ca/members-only/login or Register

October 6, 2015 Tuesday 4-5pm Webinar on your computer (free of charge)

"Testosterone and the Prostate" by Dr. Larry Goldenberg

During this webinar, you'll learn about:
*       Testosterone is an important hormone for many aspects of male physiology
*       There is an intricate relationship between the hormone testosterone and prostate biology
*       Testosterone replacement therapy is a controversial topic
*       Giving testosterone to a man with known prostate cancer is not dangerous if done properly
*       The impact of moderately low testosterone levels on the prostate is a very different situation than the impact of hormone withdrawal therapy on cancer

Register Now <http://prostatecancer.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=381dca877e43c44046caa6dd1&id=a459f6e750&e=429b542523>

Click on map to enlarge

Please do not forget our Monthly meeting! 

請不要忘記我們每月的聚會！

October 8 Thursday 6-8pm Support Group sharing 

10月8日星期四 6-8pm支持小組分享

at Garratt Wellness Center, 7504 Chelsea Place, Richmond

Contact: Daniel Leung 604-836-6423

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

九月十日英語免費健康講座(粤語，國語翻譯) , 十九日英語講座September 10 Meeting, September 19 Conference

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, also our Richmond supporting group is passing the 30-months milestone this month. It is not easy to walk to this point without your support.

It is our pleasure to have Ms. Leah Lariviere, executive director of Prostate Cancer Foundation BC, as our guest speaker on Thursday, September, 10, 2015 6-7pm sharing the following topics:

1. What is Prostate Cancer Foundation BC?

2. Service Goals - Support, Awareness, Advocacy and Research

3. BC Support Group Council

4. Support Groups

Address: Garratt Wellness Centre, 7504 Chelsea Place, Richmond, BC, V7C 3S9 (Blundell/No. 2 Rd.)

Contact: 604-836-6423 Daniel Leung

After the talk, we will have a PowerPoint slideshow of

1. What is Prostate Diseases?

2. How to screen & diagnostic

3. How to treatments

4. Any side effects after treatment

九月是前列腺癌關注月，希望藉各界媒體的宣傳教育與國民的参與，譲大眾認識這影響男仕的疾病。惡性的前列腺癌令八份之一的加拿大男仕們在中年發病，不但影響工作和夫妻生活，甚至喪失生命，近年由於抽血篩檢及大腸指檢的普及，前列腺癌的確診已漸漸年輕化。醫療研究及國民關注亦令到患病者存活率大大提高。良性的前列腺肥大與前列腺炎雖然沒有生命危險，但尿頻，小便刺痛，血尿，夜尿或失禁等病徵，足以影響男仕與家人的生活質素。

以下是九月份一系列的前列腺健康活動：

九月十日(星期四)下午六時至八時英語免費健康講座(粤語，國語翻譯)

專題：前列腺癌基金會的社區工作以及前列腺疾病治療

講員：Ms Leah Lariviere, 卑斯省前列腺癌基金會執行幹事

地址：列治文華人前列腺癌支援網絡，Garratt Wellness Centre, 7504 Chelsea Place, Richmond, BC, V7C 3S9 (Blundell/No. 2 Rd.)

電話查詢：604-836-6423

九月十九日(星期六)上午八時半至下午四時半英語前列腺癌講座

15th Annual Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer Conference

(從溫哥華，西雅圖和波特蘭三市連線視像會議) 

費用：每位二十元包午餐及飲品

報名：www.prostatecancerbc.ca/events/

講員： Larry Goldenberg MD, Mark Moyad MD, Tomasz M Beer MD and Celestia S. Higano MD and others speakers

地址：The Gordon and Leslie Diamond Family Theatre at the BC Cancer Research Centre, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver

專題：

September 19, 2015 Prostate Cancer Conference

15th Annual Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer Conference

To see the video clips, please click on this ink: https://echo360ess.ohsu.edu:8443/ess/portal/section/f4abd706-4597-42ac-91f7-f60ad0f4bc64

Join us for the 15th Annual Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer Conference on Saturday September 19th, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

The Gordon and Leslie Diamond Family Theatre at the BC Cancer Research Centre

675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver

Cost: $20 includes lunch and refreshments
To see the agenda, click here.
To register, please click here.

10 Foods to Promote Prostate Health 促進前列腺健康的10種食物

http://www.ba-bamail.com/content.aspx?emailid=17169&q=10+Foods+to+Promote+Prostate+Health

10 Foods to Promote Prostate Health

Babamail July 2015

While awareness about cancer should be shared by both of the sexes, a number of surveys show that women are generally more aware and knowledgeable about their risk for certain cancers than men. However, there are a number of cancers that men should know about and actively care for, one of them being prostate cancer. Photo: stockimages/ freedigitalphotos.net Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the male reproductive system and unfortunately spreads slowly. For the latter reason, many men may not know of their risk for prostate cancer until later in life, and it may be too late. Besides consulting your doctor and scheduling regular prostate exams, there are a number of nutrients in the foods that we eat that may help prevent and even treat issues in the prostate. Incorporate some or all of these foods into your diet to keep your prostate health in check. 1. Brazil Nuts (巴西堅果) These large and delicious nuts are so good for prostate health because they are rich in a nutrient called selenium, which has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Just one ounce of Brazil nuts contains almost ten times the recommended daily value for selenium in your diet, which bodes very well for the state of your prostate. The nuts are also a good source of zinc, which is another mineral essential to prostate health, and amino acids which are a great source of protein. 2. Broccoli (西蘭花) Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family, a family of vegetables shared with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale. Cruciferous vegetables contain high amounts of sulforaphane and indoles, which are plant-based nutrients that have remarkable anti-cancer and cleansing properties. In scientific trials, it was found that eating broccoli more than once a week could reduce the probability of contracting the later (and more serious) stages of prostate cancer by nearly 45 percent. The healthiest way to consume broccoli (to maximize its nutrient content) is to steam or sauté the broccoli for about 5 minutes (and no more). 3. Cayenne (辣椒) The cayenne pepper is known for being hot and spicy, but it is also an excellent source of prostate healthy nutrients. The cayenne pepper is made hot due to a high concentration of a substance called capsaicin, which is renowned for its ability to reduce pain, but also helps kill off cancer cells. In studies, capsaicin has demonstrated an ability to cause cancer cells to 'commit suicide', by attacking the energy-making portion of the cell (the mitochondria). Capsaicin is also known for its cardiovascular benefits, such as a strong antioxidant, as preventive treatment for stomach ulcers, and as an effective balancer of blood sugar levels. 4. Green Tea (綠茶) This superfood is noted for its numerous health benefits, one of them being the ability to fight off several forms of cancer, including prostate cancer. Green tea contains compounds called catechins, the most important of them being EGCG which notably lowers the levels of dangerous biomarkers attributed to cancer. The nutrients in green tea may also help men who have pre-cancerous prostate lesions, one of the first signs of more serious prostate complications, including cancer. To maximize the effects of green tea, it is recommended to consume about three cups daily. 5. Mushrooms (香菇) Mushrooms are great for prostate health, but Asian mushrooms are particularly good. The shiitake mushroom, for instance, contain a certain substance called lentinan, which has demonstrated miraculous anti-cancer properties. Asian mushrooms also contain a potent antioxidant called L-ergothioneine, which has the ability of protecting cells throughout the body from cancerous invasion. 6. Pomegranates (石榴) Not only does this succulent red fruit taste wonderful, it is also noted for being high in antioxidants and a nutrient called ellagitannin, which especially promotes prostate health. Some studies show that the pomegranate can even slow the reproduction of prostate cancer cells and can even kill them off. Pomegranates are also noted for their ability to interfere with the growth of new blood vessels, which usually nourish prostate tumors. If you don't have the actual fruit available (it is seasonal at the end of summer and into the early fall), pomegranate juice is an accessible and tasty way to get all of the fruit's nutrients. 7. Pumpkin Seeds (南瓜子) Yes, as evident from this list, stocking up on seeds and nuts is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to delicious pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds have been proven to benefit men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which is a condition affecting men 50 and old where the prostate gland swells and enlarges. This swelling and enlargement is caused by the overstimulation of prostate cells by testosterone and other hormones, and the oil of pumpkin seeds has been shown to prevent the effect of these hormones on prostate health. 8. Salmon (三文魚) Another superfood noted for its healthy qualities, salmon also supports prostate health because it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. New research has found that the omega-3 in fish (not only salmon, although it is the most popular fish) can slow the development of prostate tumors in men who have the disease, and can prevent the disease from developing at all for those who don't. Indeed, a study published in "Clinical Cancer Research" reported that eating fish or salmon once a week could reduce a man's chance of developing prostate cancer, even if he has a genetic predisposition to contracting the disease. 9. Tomatoes (番茄) Tomatoes are rich in a nutrient called lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant that has proven itself to promote and enhance prostate health. Surprisingly, unlike a number of other fruits and vegetables, the nutritional benefits of tomatoes increase when they are processed, as opposed to fresh tomatoes. When the tomatoes are cooked into a paste, soup, sauce or made into a juice, the lycopene content is more easily absorbed by the body. Eating just one serving of tomatoes a day, either in your Bloody Mary or even on pizza, can protect against DNA damage that could set the stage for the development of prostate cancer. 10. Turmeric (黃薑) Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries, and is also an excellent way to enhance prostate health. The spice is used to fight off inflammation, colds, asthma, and when combined with a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli or kale, is effective in preventing and even treating prostate cancer. Turmeric is usually added to curries and spicy dishes due to its bitter and peppery flavor, but adding a dash of it to your cooking could not only add the needed spice to your meal, but also dramatically improve your prostate health. FURTHER READING: Nutrition Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer - PCC Nutrition Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer - by BCCA 5 Foods to protect your prostate - by PCF(US)