Prostate Cancer breakthrough

Prostate cancer patients have been offered hope after scientists at Newcastle University, UK, have identified a new group of molecules that could be targeted to slow tumor growth.

Experts used an advanced screening technique which found hundreds of genes were affected by the male hormone testosterone. It is believed this could lead to new diagnostic tests and treatments.
Among the 700 genes identified was an important set that add sugar groups, known as glycans, to the surface of prostate cancer cells. This group has never been investigated before.
Results of the research, published in EBioMedicine, suggest that testosterone changes glycans to make cancer cells more likely to survive, grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Scientists say there is the potential to target these glycans which could stop the growth and spread of tumors and save lives.
Dr Jennifer Munkley, Research Associate at the Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, co-led the three-year research project with Professor David Elliott.