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This could be a major breakthrough in the treatment of prostate cancer. Scientists have announced that they have identified bacteria that may be linked to prostate cancer. “This work opens a door to study the most aggressive cancers” according to Professor Michaël Peyromaure, urologist at Cochin Hospital in Paris.
It is potentially a revolution in the treatment and prevention of aggressive prostate cancer. Researchers at the University of East Anglia, in Norwich, England, carried out genetic analyzes on the urine and prostate tissue of more than 600 men, with or without prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer responsible for thousands of deaths every year
Prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers. It affects nearly 1.5 million men every year worldwide. Also, finding a way to prevent or treat the disease in a simple and effective way could save thousands of lives.
Five species of bacteria linked to disease progression
Thanks to their work, the researchers have identified five bacteria – including three new to science – which are linked to the acceleration of the disease. Their findings also show that men who had one or more of the species in their urine, prostate or tumor tissue were 2.6 times more likely to see their early-stage cancer progress to advanced disease than men who did not. had none.
No direct link established
Unfortunately, the study does not prove that the bacteria cause or exacerbate prostate cancer. Other work is underway and scientists hope to be able, at the end of these, to develop tests to identify the men most at risk and potentially find antibiotics.
Further work is needed
But this is still only possible in theory. Indeed, as Colin Cooper, professor of genetics at the University of East Anglia, explains, “if we knew for certain that a species of bacteria caused prostate cancer, we could find an antibiotic to eliminate it and that would prevent the progression, we hope… But it is not as simple as there is appears. There are a lot of complications. Antibiotics don’t penetrate the prostate very well and one would need to choose an antibiotic that only kills certain bacteria.”.
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Scientific work that is difficult to set up routinely at present
Asked about this study, Pr Michaël Peyromaure, urologist at the Cochin hospital in Paris, recalls first of all that this work comes from “fundamental research”. “This is not a clinical study. It seems to me difficult to implement this type of analysis in clinical routine at present. But maybe in 20 years why not?” .
The specialist points out that in 85% of cases, prostate cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and remains treated with very good results. “However, these researchers have carried out promising work that opens the way to finding treatments for the most serious cases of prostate cancer, which represent approximately 15% of cases.” concludes the expert.