Prostate Cancer Signs – 
It is now possible to identify men who are at risk of developing aggressive form of prostate cancer, says researchers.
One of the most common types of cancer in men, prostate cancer is estimated to have caused 375,304 deaths worldwide in 2020. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, with maximum cases diagnosed in men who are 65 or older. If detected in the early stages, it is highly treatable. However, prostate cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages.
The good news is Researchers from Sweden have now discovered a faster and easier way to determine if you are at risk of developing an aggressive form of prostate cancer, early in the course of the disease. The discovery may have huge implications on the treatment of prostate cancer, and other groups alike, the researchers at Ume University stated. The study has been published in EBioMedicine.
How prostate cancer cells grow and spread
The transforming growth factor beta (TGF- ) signalling pathway is linked in the development of several cancer forms. The Ume research team has now discovered a previously unknown function of the TGF- type I receptor (TbRI), an important signalling protein in cancer cells.
What is this new function? They found that AURKB, a kinase that is usually overexpressed in cancer cells, interacts with T RI during cell division of both prostate cancer cells and neuroblastoma cells, a common form of cancer among children.
Further, they have also shown that the enzyme TRAF6 contributes to the kinase activity of AURKB when cancer cells proliferate.
Overall, the study concluded suggested that the AURKB-T RI complex may be a useful biomarker for early detection of advanced prostate cancer. This may be helpful in the development of precision drugs for prostate cancer treatment, the researchers stated.
Using this new discovery, they said, men with high-risk prostate cancer can be identified more easily and faster so that treatment can be offered sooner. However, the experts noted that it will take they two to three years to develop a test based on their findings.
Tests currently used to diagnose prostate cancer
A biopsy is mainly used to diagnose prostate cancer. In this procedure, a tissue sample is collected from the prostate, and it is observed under a microscope to see if there are cancer cells. A transrectal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to create a picture (also known as a sonogram) of the prostate.
Watch out for these Prostate Cancer Signs and symptoms
Men with prostate cancer may not experience any signs or symptoms during the early course of the disease. At an advanced stage, it may start causing certain signs and symptoms such as:
- Trouble urinating
- Weak or slow urinary stream.
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Losing weight without trying
- Erectile dysfunction
If you notice these signs or symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
