Changes in Nutrition and Lifestyle May Alter Prostate Cancer Gene
The National Academy of Sciences, (2008, June 16) vol. 105 no. 24

Thirty men with low-risk prostate cancer, who declined immediate surgery, hormonal therapy, or radiation, participated in an intensive three-month nutritional and lifestyle intervention. During this time period, careful surveillance for tumor growth was made while participants ate an all-vegan diet with one hour of medium impact strength training and cardiovascular exercise each day. Gene expression profiles were taken from all participants, pairing RNA samples taken before intervention to RNA samples from the same participants three-months post-intervention. Post-intervention biopsy profiles showed significant improvements in weight, abdominal obesity, blood pressure and lipids for all participants. This research suggests that intensive nutrition and lifestyle changes may change gene expression in the prostate post-diagnosis.


NewResearch on the Affects ofAvastin for Brain Tumor Patients
Science Daily; University of California – Los Angeles, (2009, August 8)

A recent UCLA study uncovered a new way to view tumors and forecast which patients are most likely to benefit from Avastin before starting treatment. Eighty-two patients who had undergone surgery and radiation therapy to remove glioblastoma received infusions of Avastin every two-weeks. Avastin blocks a growth hormone called VEGF that spurs the growth of new tumor blood vessels, and starves the tumor. All participants underwent monthly MRI brain scans to monitor change and researchers analyzed the scans of the patients whose tumors returned. By measuring the amount of water motion within a tumor, researchers were able to predict, within 70 percent accuracy, that the more water movement found in the tumor, the better a patient would respond to Avastin.


Exercise for Cancer Patients May Decrease the Risk of Reoccurrence
WebMD; University of Alberta in Edmonton, (2009, April 7)

A recent study suggests that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of cancer reoccurrence. Sixty-three colorectal and breast cancer survivors who were between one and three years post-treatment participated in at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least five days a week. Each participant completed a full physical examination and then participated in activities including aerobic exercises and weight training. After six months variables that may increase your risk for reoccurrence such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity were assessed through a post-assessment physical. Forty-one participants completed the study and were found to have lowered their risk for a heart attack, diabetes, and their fat-to-mass ratio, decreasing their risk for cancer reoccurrence.