Monthly Archives: May 2012

The Risks for Cancer Patients Associated with Red Meat Consumption

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Red Meat and Risk Factors
by Cindy Collins PhD, RD

A recent follow up of two studies, added evidence to the connection between consumption of red meat and two diseases, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Dr. An Pan of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, MA states, “We are not telling people to eliminate red meat, instead, we’d like them to try to replace red meat with other healthier options. “ There is a sense of concern regarding populations that consume higher amounts of red meat. As the authors state, it may not mean that red meat eaters must convert their ways to vegetarianism, but rather make smarter food choices, incorporating a variety of other protein sources.

Red meat is a great source of protein, and nourishment, but it is also high in saturated fat and bad cholesterol. It is considered to be a heme iron source, which is excellent for those who are in need of iron in high amounts such as children in rapid growth periods, pregnant women or individuals with iron deficiency anemia. When you hear the word heme, take into consideration it comes from blood. If it has a blood line, it contains heme iron. Therefore, you can alternate your red meat source to chicken or turkey which is a white meat, and still receive the same heme iron and protein, with less cholesterol and saturated fat.

Dr. Dean Ornish of The Preventative Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, CA suggests, “more quality, less quantity “ in a diet can not only help nutrition, but also the effects of global warming and energy consumption. The basis for understanding in this matter is the principle of eating foods that are considered plant-based/non-heme, which are high in phytochemicals, bioflavonoids, and other healthy nutrients in addition to the iron. Examples include almonds, apricots, and spinach. There are a number of sources that can be useful alternatives, and beneficial for overall health.

It is very important to focus on variety when it comes to food. Make meal time more interesting! Rotate fish, chicken or turkey, as an alternative to red meat. Plant sources are also another wonderful way to enhance the quality of your diet. Make a point to get some beans, grains and vegetables into your meals! It will give you a great energy boost, help support body system function and eliminate the risk of disease.
For more on this study, refer to http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/760099

What is Prostate Cancer?

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Prostate cancer is a disease which only affects men. Cancer begins to grow in the prostate – a gland in the male reproductive system. The word “prostate” comes from Medieval Latin prostate and Medieval French prostate. The ancient Greek word prostates means “one standing in front”, from proistanai meaning “set before”. The prostate is so called because of its position – it is at the base of the bladder.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system, and exists directly under the bladder, in front of the rectum. An exocrine gland is one whose secretions end up outside the body e.g. prostate gland and sweat glands. It is approximately the size of a walnut.

The urethra – a tube that goes from the bladder to the end of the penis and carries urine and semen out of the body – goes through the prostate.

There are thousands of tiny glands in the prostate – they all produce a fluid that forms part of the semen. This fluid also protects and nourishes the sperm. When a male has an orgasm the seminal-vesicles secrete a milky liquid in which the semen travels. The liquid is produced in the prostate gland, while the sperm is kept and produced in the testicles. When a male climaxes (has an orgasm) contractions force the prostate to secrete this fluid into the urethra and leave the body through the penis.

Urine control

As the urethra goes through the prostate: the prostate gland is also involved in urine control (continence) with the use of prostate muscle fibers. These muscle fibers in the prostate contract and release, controlling the flow of urine flowing through the urethra.

The Prostate Produces Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

The epithelial cells in the prostate gland produce a protein called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). The PSA helps keep the semen in its liquid state. Some of the PSA escapes into the bloodstream. We can measure a man’s PSA levels by checking his blood. If a man’s levels of PSA are high, it might be an indication of either prostate cancer or some kind of prostate condition.

prostate gland diagram
Diagram of the location of the prostate gland and nearby organs
It is a myth to think that a high blood-PSA level is harmful to you – it is not. High blood PSA levels are however an indication that something may be wrong in the prostate.

Male hormones affect the growth of the prostate, and also how much PSA the prostate produces. Medications aimed at altering male hormone levels may affect PSA blood levels. If male hormones are low during a male’s growth and during his adulthood, his prostate gland will not grow to full size.

In some older men the prostate may continue to grow, especially the part that is around the urethra. This can make it more difficult for the man to pass urine as the growing prostate gland may be causing the urethra to collapse. When the prostate gland becomes too big in this way, the condition is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is not cancer, but must be treated.
Prostate Cancer
In the vast majority of cases, the prostate cancer starts in the gland cells – this is called adenocarcinoma. In this article, prostate cancer refers just to adenocarcinoma.

Prostate cancer is mostly a very slow progressing disease. In fact, many men die of old age, without ever knowing they had prostate cancer – it is only when an autopsy is done that doctors know it was there. Several studies have indicated that perhaps about 80% of all men in their eighties had prostate cancer when they died, but nobody knew, not even the doctor.

Experts say that prostate cancer starts with tiny alterations in the shape and size of the prostate gland cells – Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). According to Medilexicon`s medical dictionary, Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia means “dysplastic changes involving glands and ducts of the prostate that may be a precursor of adenocarcinoma; low grade (PIN 1), mild dysplasia with cell crowding, variation in nuclear size and shape, and irregular cell spacing; high grade (PIN 2 and 3), moderate to severe dysplasia with cell crowding, nucleomegaly and nucleolomegaly, and irregular cell spacing.”

Doctors say that nearly 50% of all 50-year-old men have PIN. The cells are still in place – they do not seem to have moved elsewhere – but the changes can be seen under a microscope. Cancer cells would have moved into other parts of the prostate. Doctors describe these prostate gland cell changes as low-grade or high-grade; high grade is abnormal while low-grade is more-or-less normal.

Any patient who was found to have high-grade PIN after a prostate biopsy is at a significantly greater risk of having cancer cells in his prostate. Because of this, doctors will monitor him carefully and possibly carry out another biopsy later on.
Classification of prostate cancer
It is important to know the stage of the cancer, or how far it has spread. Knowing the cancer stage helps the doctor define prognosis – it also helps when selecting which therapies to use. The most common system today for determining this is the TNM (Tumor/Nodes/Metastases). This involves defining the size of the tumor, how many lymph nodes are involved, and whether there are any other metastases.

When defining with the TNM system, it is crucial to distinguish between cancers that are still restricted just to the prostate, and those that have spread elsewhere. Clinical T1 and T2 cancers are found only in the prostate, and nowhere else, while T3 and T4 have spread outside the prostate.

There are many ways to find out whether the cancer has spread. Computer tomography will check for spread inside the pelvis, bone scans will decide whether the cancer has spread to the bones, and endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging will evaluate the prostatic capsule and the seminal vesicles.

The Gleason Score

A pathologist will look at the biopsy samples under a microscope. If cancer tissue is detected, the pathologist then grades the tumor. The Gleason System of grading goes from 2 to 10. The higher the number, the more abnormal the tissues are compared to normal prostate tissue.

Two numbers are added up to get a Gleason score:

1. A number from 1 to 5 for the most common pattern observed under the microscope. This is the predominant grade and must be more than 51% of the sample.

2. A number from 1 to 5 for the second most common pattern. This is the secondary grade and must make up more than 5% but less than 50% of the sample.

A Gleason score of 7 can have two meanings. Look at these two examples below:

1. If the predominant grade is 3 and the secondary grade is 4, the Gleason score is 7.

2. If the predominant grade is 4 and the secondary grade is 3, the Gleason score is also 7.

However, the first example, with a predominant score of 3, has a less aggressive cancer than the second example, with a predominant score of 4.

It is crucial that the tumor is graded properly, as this decides what treatments should be recommended.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
During the early stages of prostate cancer there are usually no symptoms. Most men at this stage find out they have prostate cancer after a routine check up or blood test. When symptoms do exist, they are usually one or more of the following:

The patient urinates more often
The patient gets up at night more often to urinate
He may find it hard to start urinating
He may find it hard to keep urinating once he has started
There may be blood in the urine
Urination might be painful
Ejaculation may be painful (less common)
Achieving or maintaining an erection may be difficult (less common)

If the prostate cancer is advanced the following symptoms are also possible:

Bone pain, often in the spine (vertebrae), pelvis, or ribs
The proximal part of the femur can be painful
Leg weakness (if cancer has spread to the spine and compressed the spinal cord)
Urinary incontinence (if cancer has spread to the spine and compressed the spinal cord)
Fecal incontinence (if cancer has spread to the spine and compressed the spinal cord)

What are the causes of prostate cancer?
Nobody is really sure of what the specific causes are. There are so many possible factors, including age, race, lifestyle, medications, and genetics, to name a few.

Age

Age is considered as the primary risk factor. The older a man is, the higher is his risk. Prostate cancer is rare among men under the age of 45, but much more common after the age of 50.

Genetics

Statistics indicate that genetics is definitely a factor in prostate cancer risk. It is more common among certain racial groups – in the USA prostate cancer is significantly more common and also more deadly among Afro-Americans than White-Americans. A man has a much higher risk of developing cancer if his identical twin has it. A man whose brother or father had/had prostate cancer runs twice the risk of developing it, compared to other men. Studies indicate that the two genes – BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 – which are important risk factors for breast cancer and ovarian cancer have also been implicated in prostate cancer.

In a study scientists found seven new sites in the human genome that are linked to men’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

Diet

fruits and vegetables
A review of diets indicated that the Mediterranean diet may reduce a person’s chances of developing prostate cancer. Another study indicates that soy, selenium and green tea, offer additional possibilities for disease prevention – however, a more recent study indicated that combination therapy of vitamin E, selenium and soy does not prevent the progression from high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) to prostate cancer. A diet high in vegetable consumption was found in a study to be beneficial.

A US pilot study on men with low risk prostate cancer found that following an intensive healthy diet and lifestyle regime focusing on low meat and high vegetable and fruit intake, regular exercise, yoga stretching, meditation and support group participation, can alter the way that genes behave and change the progress of cancer, for instance by switching on tumor killers and turning down tumor promoters.

Other studies have indicated that lack of vitamin D, a diet high in red meat may raise a person’s chances of developing prostate cancer.

Medication

Some studies say there might be a link between the daily use of anti-inflammatory medicines and prostate cancer risk. A study found that statins, which are used to lower cholesterol levels, may lower a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

Obesity

A study found a clear link between obesity and raised prostate cancer risk, as well as a higher risk of metastasis and death among obese people who develop prostate cancer.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Men who have had gonorrhea have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer, according to research from the University of Michigan Health System.

Agent Orange

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a 48% higher risk of prostate cancer recurrence following surgery than their unexposed peers, and when the disease comes back, it seems more aggressive, researchers say. Another study found that Vietnam War veterans who had been exposed to Agent Orange have significantly increased risks of prostate cancer and even greater risks of getting the most aggressive form of the disease as compared to those who were not exposed.

Republished from Medical News Today

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150086.php

Basil’s Superfood Properties

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Super Food News: Incentives of Basil Consumption
by Cindy Collins, PhD, RD

The use of basil can be found in both European and Eastern cultural traditions. There are several types of basil. They include the sweet, holy, Thai and lemon varieties. The reasons for using basil may surprise you! It contains a range of therapeutic benefits such as lowering blood pressure, protection against free radicals, and it has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Basil is also purported to lower stress levels, regulate blood sugar and support healthy immune function. Basil leaves contain vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, and flavonoids (antioxidant).
For more information of studies on basil go to: http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2012/may2012_Superfoods-Basil_01.htm

There are several ways you can experience basil. You can use it dried, and sprinkle it into your recipes. You can also use it fresh, the Italian way! It is often found fresh as a topping to tomatoes and mozzarella or as an addition to soup. Some preparations use basil to enhance meat flavor and in stir fry. It’s no wonder some cultures consider basil a healing food. Nutrition has such a capacity to restore health naturally. It is a great way to try something new, and it might even be a discovered favorite flavor!
Here are a couple of recommended recipes to try:
Hearty turkey/beef minestrone soup
1 pound ground turkey breast or lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup small pasta, such as orzo or pastini
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas or white beans, rinsed and drained
Pepper and salt to taste, Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
In a stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté the turkey and onion until the turkey is cooked through. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 10 minutes, or until softened. Add the broth, tomatoes, basil, and oregano and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the pasta, frozen spinach, and chickpeas or beans and cook for 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Makes 14 servings.
Approximate nutrients per serving: 120 calories, 1 gram of fat, 13 grams of protein http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SurvivorshipDuringandAfterTreatment/NutritionforPeoplewithCancer/NutritionforthePersonwithCancer/nutrition-during-treatment-recipes
Shredded Salad
Total time: 15 minutes.
Napa cabbage makes this salad pop with flavor and crunch. To turn it into a meal for four, double the dressing and toss in a pound of shredded cooked chicken or sautéed or baked tofu.
Tbs. balsamic vinegar
2Tbs. peanut butter
2Tbs. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1small clove garlic, minced
1tsp. sugar
1cup basil leaves
1cup mint leaves
1cup cilantro leaves
1cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
4cup grated carrot
1cup roasted peanuts¼.
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar.
Chop the basil, mint, and cilantro leaves and toss with the cabbage and carrot. Toss the salad with the dressing and garnish with the peanuts. Serves 4 as a side salad (2 cups per serving).
Nutrition Intake: Calories 150, Total Fat 9g, Protein 6g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Fiber 6g, Sodium 180mg http://www.cspinet.org/nah/healthycook/april2012recipes.html

Melanoma; not just a skin cancer

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Melanoma – not just a skin cancer.
By Cindy Collins, PhD, RD

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institute of Health defines melanoma as cancer that begins in the melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells of the body. Though we usually associate this cancer with the skin, it can be found elsewhere in the body including the eye and the intestinal tissue. They estimate there will be 76,250 new cases and 9,180 deaths by the completion of 2012.

The NCI states that illnesses linked to diet kill 3 out of 4 Americans every year. This includes illnesses other than cancer such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. The Health Behaviors Research Branch of the NCI coordinates research on lifestyle behaviors and their effect on cancer prevention. They also investigate intervention strategies for all types of cancer. They study diet, physical activity, sleep, and sun safety and the relationship to melanoma.

An interesting link on the NCI website takes you to Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T. which has resources for cancer control for health professionals. (http://cancercontrolplanet.cancer.gov/diet.html). The association between a healthy diet and decreased morbidity and mortality from the four leading causes of death listed above is confirmed in the section on scientific evidence. The majority of studies show that diets low in overall fat, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains with high fiber play a role in this health benefit.

Other sources emphasize the role of sun exposure in health and the interaction with dietary factors. Michael Holick, M.D., Ph.D. in his book The UV Advantage (iBooks, 2003) recommends 30 minutes a day in the sun before the application of sunscreen, in order to stimulate the production of Vitamin D in the skin. Most surveys reveal marked deficiencies of Vitamin D in Americans. This vitamin is vital for bone, muscle, immunity and has recently been linked with cancer protection. Andrew Weil, MD (www.drweil.com) recommends striking a balance between the benefits of the sun while still protecting oneself from its harmful effects. He notes that supplementation with mixed carotenoids (forms of Vitamin A) and mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols (forms of Vitamin E) can help protect the skin from sunburn.
A number of researchers are devoting their studies to the association of nutrients and other chemicals and melanoma. Many of those studies involve animal models. Recently the antidepressant fluoxetine was shown to have antioxidant properties, preventing the activity of melanoma in mice spleen cells. (http://reference.medscape.com/medline/abstract/20803706)

In addition human studies focus on the role of antioxidants in preventing and slowing the progression of cancer. There is now ample evidence that the cellular byproducts called free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) may produce the pathology behind some cancers. The amino acid taurine (found in proteins) has been shown to act as an antioxidant, thus combating free radicals and ROS. In 2008, the Journal of Clinical Pharmacological Therapy illustrated an increased level of ROS in melanoma patients as compared to healthy controls. The authors believe the likely source of the ROS was the cancer tissue itself. These ROS are suspected of enhancing the progression of the melanoma. After surgery for the removal of all melanoma tissue, the level of ROS decreased. (http://reference.medscape.com/medline/abstract/19239181) (http://reference.medscape.com/medline/abstract/18315784)

There is a need for many more studies to pinpoint the role of antioxidants in cancer prevention and intervention. Current research on melanoma and other cancers warrants the recommendation to consume a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients. Vitamin and mineral antioxidants include Vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene and selenium. Naturally rich bioactive antioxidants also found in foods include polyphenols (flavonoids, catechins and anthocyanadines), glucosinolates, resveratrol, lutein, and lycopene. The following foods are the short list of sources containing these antioxidants! Antioxidants can also be found in supplement form; look for those extracted from whole foods. (MD Anderson Cancer Center)
Brightly pigmented fruits and vegetables to include: mango, cantaloupe, orange, grapefruit, kiwifruit, strawberries, grapes, cranberries, blueberries, tomato, watermelon, apricot, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, squash, sweet potato, collard and turnip greens, spinach and kale, red and green peppers, brazil nuts, peanuts, seafood, soy, green tea, dark chocolate, wheat germ.

Cindy Collins, Ph.D., R.D.
Experimental Health Psychology/Nutrition

The Science Behind Food and the Brain Response

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The Science Behind Food and Brain Response

Interestingly enough, when you eat something and it tastes yummy; you feel a sense of contentment and pleasure as a result. Behind every action we have biologically, there is usually a chemical or a hormone that is released in response. As Newton’s 3rd law states to every action, there is an equal or opposite reaction. In the case of food and brain response, there is a chemical called dopamine responsible for giving you an emotional reward. This is the chemical is associated with other pleasures in addition to foods and actively drives our wants over needs.
One of your primary neurotransmitters, dopamine acts as a motivator, and sends signals to nerve cells which carry out functions involved in the other pleasure centers of the body. The exhilaration of a favorite food can be compared to a heightened response felt all over the body. The taste glands start to salivate, the mind starts to crave, and the nerves start to send signals out causing tingles from head to toe. All this power is given to the thought of a favorite food, and in turn you continue to give into the urge to eat it. This is not in and of itself a harmful thing; the trick is not to overdo it.

Constantly eating food to satisfy cravings may diminish the dopamine response, and cause the physical need for more food to keep up with the satisfaction of pleasure centers. It can be at times so dull, that it can seem to be reduced to almost nothing. This weakened response is what could potentially lead to weight gain due to overeating.
The trick is to tune into the triggers that cue the desire. One such trigger is smell. Be mindful and try to really take in the odor of what you are craving. Taking this extra moment to be mindful of the smell and craving may help you to gain control over the desire. If you like sweets, try to limit or replace them with a healthier alternative. Dense sugary, fatty or salty foods tend to be the culprit of overconsumption.

Lastly, if stress is a trigger for you, eliminate or minimize it if possible. Try to immerse yourself in activities that will stimulate pleasure in different ways such as a massage, or meditation. If you cannot control triggers, then try to distract yourself. Anything you can think of that will take your mind off the craving. Some great ways are exercise, music, writing or reading.
For more on this topic refer to Nutrition Action Newsletter May 2012 Issue

Pre- Colonoscopy Instructional Video Helps with No Shows for Appointment

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If you had the option to watch a video before your colonoscopy appointment would you feel better about doing it? Let us know after reading these stats:

Instructional Web-Based Video Decreases Patient No-Shows For Colonoscopy

Patients who watch an online instructional video are more likely to keep their appointments and arrive prepared for a scheduled colonoscopy than those who do not, according to a study by gastroenterologists at the University of Chicago Medicine.

The study, presented at the 2012 annual Digestive Diseases Week meeting in San Diego, CA, found that among patients age 50 to 65 – the primary target for colon cancer screening – those who watched the video were 40 percent less likely to cancel an appointment. That suggests many more cancers could be prevented or detected and treated early if more thorough instruction were given.

“Although early detection of colon cancer can save lives, only about half of those who could benefit take advantage of this screening test,” said Archita P. Desai, MD, fellow in the section of gastroenterology at the University of Chicago Medicine. “Use of this video-preparation approach could increase the number of people who complete the process. Thanks to such screening, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for more than 20 years, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.”

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, responsible for nearly 50,000 deaths a year. The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women should have a colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at age 50. When colon cancer is caught early, 90 percent of patients remain alive five years later, but when the cancer has already spread, five-year survival falls to 12 percent.

In the United States, only 53 percent of those older than 50 follow the recommendations for colorectal cancer screening. Far more people than that schedule a colonoscopy, but surveys show only 23 percent to 58 percent of patients who schedule a colonoscopy keep those appointments. This wastes resources, increases costs and extends the waiting time for those seeking an appointment.

The 30-minute web-based interactive program (watch a four-minute segment) produced by Chicago-based Emmi Solutions, walks the viewer though the entire process. It explains how colonoscopy is performed, why preparation is necessary, and how to weigh the risks and benefits. Viewers can pause the video, ask questions or review the information to make sure they understand it. Doctors can enable the viewer to type a question to them or their staff. The questions that patients ask can alert the doctor to address remaining concerns.

In this study, the researchers compared all 1,740 patients referred by their primary care physicians for a colonoscopy at the University of Chicago Medicine in the six months from Dec. 1, 2009, to June 1, 2010 – before the colonoscopy video was available – to all 1,415 patients referred Dec. 1, 2010, to June 1, 2011, half of whom were told to watch the video. More than three out of four patients with access to the video watched it all the way through.

The researchers looked for “preventable cancellations,” patients who did not complete the test because they skipped the appointment, arrived unprepared, failed to follow instructions about taking or discontinuing certain medications, or faced transportation issues.

The preventable cancellation rate for those who watched the video was significantly lower, falling from 11 percent for patients screened before the video was available to 8 percent for those who had access to the video. The biggest improvement was seen among those age 50 to 65, in which the no-show rate fell from 12 percent for those without access down to 7 percent for those who watched.

“This appears to be an effective and inexpensive way to improve compliance,” Desai said. “Our next steps will be to track the outcomes of patients who did not watch the video after being assigned to do so as this group has the highest cancellation and poor-preparation rates. It will be important to identify how to successfully screen this group of patients.”

Hormone Depleting Drug Shows Promise Against Localized High Risk Prostate Tumors

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Hormone-Depleting Drug Shows Promise Against Localized High-Risk Prostate Tumors

A hormone-depleting drug approved last year for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer can help eliminate or nearly eliminate tumors in many patients with aggressive cancers that have yet to spread beyond the prostate, according to a clinical study to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), June 1-5, in Chicago.

The phase II clinical trial, led by investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and other research centers, examined the use of the drug abiraterone acetate (Zytiga(R)) in combination with prednisone and surgery in 58 men with high-risk prostate cancer isolated to the prostate gland. Participants received either three or six months of the two-drug regimen followed by surgery to remove the prostate. When the treatment was complete, pathology exams showed that one-third of the participants had no or almost no tumor tissue left.

“Very high-risk cancers localized to the prostate are rarely cured by prostatectomy alone,” says the study’s lead author, Mary-Ellen Taplin, MD, of Dana-Farber. “Therapies that combine surgery with older androgen-inhibiting drugs have not historically improved outcomes. This unmet need has given rise to efforts to develop new drugs capable of more completely reducing androgen levels within the prostate tumors.”

Taplin will present the data (abstract 4521) on Saturday, June 2, at 8 a.m. CT, Arie Crown Theater, McCormick Place.

Androgen, the male hormone, provides the fuel for prostate cancer growth. Conventional therapies target androgen production in the testes and adrenal glands, but not within the tumor itself. Abiraterone acetate is capable of blocking androgen production in all three sites.

In the study, researchers used half the dose of prednisone (a steroid) standardly given with abiraterone acetate. This lower dose, it is hoped, would reduce the side effects associated with steroids while maintaining its benefits of protecting particular steroid imbalances associated with abiraterone. Since there were no increased side effects from abiraterone, the researchers feel that the lower dose of prednisone (5mg daily) is adequate for most patients.

“Most of the patients in this study had large tumors, high grade prostate cancers and were at high risk for cancer spread,” Taplin remarks. “We’re very encouraged by the results and have begun another phase II study investigating another novel androgen signaling inhibitor, MDV3100, in the neoadjuvant setting for high risk prostate cancer. We are also developing a clinical trial program investigating the addition of the investigational drug ARN509 to abiraterone. To prove the overall benefit of intensive androgen deprivation treatment in conjunction with prostatectomy, a large randomized clinical trial will need to be done.”

SFRO’s Survivorship Clinic – How We Help

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Cancer Survivors and their families often face challenges that are difficult to navigate considering the stress they experience. Stress, as we’ve presented here before changes the aspects of the issues people deal with in physical ways through your physiology, but also mentally through your new perspective of being a cancer patient or survivor.

For those reasons, South Florida Radiation Oncology, is bringing you a service to fully support your needs as a cancer survivor or a family member of a cancer patient or survivor. SFRO offers the most cutting edge technology and support for its patients and their families. We offer head and neck cancer support groups, prostate cancer support groups and now we present Survivorship Clinic beginning in June.

Judy Armstrong, ARNP, BC, OCN will coordinate and manage the services provided and help you manage the process of continuing treatment, insurance, support groups, personal services such as hair styling for cancer patients, research, psychology, counseling, yoga, mediation and many other classes.

Please contact her today by calling 1-877-930-7376. Ask for Survivorship Clinic information and how to sign up. Please visit our Facebook page for more helpful information, https://www.facebook.com/SFROLLC.
Right here on our website, click on Resources and you will find helpful information on many topics, such as clinical trials, NCI, American Cancer Society and our support groups offered.

Cancer Patients Checklist to Avoiding Fatigue

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A Checklist for Dealing with Fatigue
by Cindy Collins, PhD, RD

Fatigue is a symptom many cancer patients deal with. It comes in varying degrees and can continue after treatment is completed. Here are some general suggestions that you might find helpful!
Is there something you can do to feel better?

• Try to sleep a full 8 hours per night. The best way to get sleep is to dim down all the lights and turn off the TV. Allow yourself to relax in the dark, and release the hormone melatonin which will naturally send you into slumber.

• Make exercise a part of your regular routine. Even if you only have the capacity to move around moderately, tap your toes for five minutes, twice a day. If you are very active, try to walk or bike for about 45 minutes as often as you can. Another great way to keep a workout schedule is to join a class or club which has yoga, cycling, cardio kickboxing, or even zumba. You might be more likely to attend a class already on the schedule!

• Have your hormones checked for hypothyroidism. Often times, some of the symptoms can bring on fatigue such as low libido, weight gain, lethargy, and dry skin or nails. It is best to check the thyroid for any imbalances that could be triggering fatigue.

• Make a record of diet and review nutrition. It is important to pick foods that will lift you up and give you sustained energy. Make good food choices consisting of vegetables, complex carbohydrates which contain fiber, lean protein and good fats. Make sure you are eating within the first hour of the day, and eat in intervals of about 4 to 5 hours apart until the evening. Make sure you never skip a meal. Remember the human body, much like anything biological thrives on regularity. When you deprive the body, it will begin to store energy, which can lead to lipo-genesis (fat generation).

• Keep hydrated! It is imperative to drink enough water to keep the viscosity of the blood in line, when you are dehydrated the blood thickens causing increased heartbeat, and pushes nutrients right out of place for transport and absorption. If you are not into drinking plenty of water, you can also get it from water- rich fruits and vegetables. Another important tool to remember is to drink a glass of water to complement diuretic drinks such as coffee or tea.

• Measure your Stress levels. High levels of stress can not only be harmful to you emotionally, but can be physically draining. The experience of stress triggers an internal stress response that causes excess undesirable hormone secretions responsible for raising blood pressure and heart rate. Try to remove yourself from daily stress and spend time outdoors. Find a tree you like, sit under it and relax. Take in some deep breaths and be mindful of all that is surrounding you. Make a list of the things that you love, and begin to live them out!

[Information taken from WholeLiving.com]

Key Risk Factors for Cancer and other debilitating diseases

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Why Do People Adopt Healthy Behaviors?
By Cindy Collins, PhD, RD

The World Health Organization (WHO) cites lack of diet and exercise as key risk factors for 85% of deaths of 75% of the disease burden, linking both to such diseases as obesity, NIDDM, CVD and cancer. In the opinion of Renner and coworkers (2012) the greatest global public health challenge of the 21st Century is modification of unhealthy behaviors How can we motivate people to adopt healthy behaviors.
Psychologists are interested in the changes in thought and attitude that may be required for changes in behavior. They hope to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of initiating and maintaining new health behaviors in both diet and exercise.

Renner and coworkers observed psychological changes in middle-aged Finnish obese individuals for their impact on the health behavior exercise. They measured the impact of psychology on change at 3 months and at 1 year after beginning an exercise program. Psychological thoughts and attitudes were assessed by measuring self-efficacy (confidence in capability to exercise despite barriers) and planning.
Positive attitudes about self-efficacy and planning had a positive impact on both the initiation and the maintenance of exercise. In other words, if we can help others change the way they see their ability to plan and change, we can assist them in starting the then maintaining a behavioral change. Increasing their confidence in change and in making plans to follow through can help ensure they will continue to exercise.

Taken from Health Psychology (2012), Vol 31, No 3, 306-315.