Today, we have a series of interesting artcles. First, a different model for the explanation of cancer. Is it new random mutations or is it related to ancient genes that have become activated??
Next, UVA researchers have a deeper evaluation of the role of androgens in PCa and the role of PARP7 in Pca progression. Can targeting PARP7 result in the long awaited chronic stable disease state??
Finally, a research breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Development of a protein-antibody conjugate capable of carrying a payload of drugs to a specific cancer target. A nanoparticle development courtesy of UMass:
I think people can take hope that the science is "on the job". The beauty of research and developments today is that we are seeing the creation of "crossovers" being used for more than one cancer. We will see more of this in PCa.
This isn't the first time that I've heard of cancer cells "going back in time". I hadn't heard of ancient genes before, but I've heard that their genetic changes bring them back to a state when the body was younger and growing. In my particular case, my neuroendocrine cancer has lost any traits that could identify it's organ of origin, so it's assumed to have come from my primary prostate cancer. However, my radiation oncologist points out that I also had a primary bladder tumor and since my neuroendocrine formed a large tumor in my bladder rather than my prostate it may have actually originated there.
In any case, it's seeming clear to me that cancer, and mine in particular, reverts back to a form where it acts more like a single cell life form rather than a cell that cooperates with other cells to form organs work together to perform some useful purpose in the body. It's almost as if a small group of cells said "We're tired of working in the urinary tract, we want to go off and become famous rock stars and tour the body".
Thanks for replying... Over time, they will figure the question of the origin of cancer out. If it is ancient genes or the tasks of ancient genes then maybe something like CRISPR could edit those parts out. Most neuroendocrine tumors occur in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum and pancreas, so the origin question really is a toss up. Glad that you are doing well on the Folfri regimen and hope that continues to serve you well...
I saw the first article myself and find that science and medicine in general seem to at long-last be taking a less human-centrist view of the world. And that is leading to a greater appreciation for the evolutionary relationships and diverse nature of our ecosystems. I've spent a lot of time lately digging deeper into the microbiome's role in human health, esp. our immune system. As I heard a researcher state in a recent podcast about the gut-microbiome, we (humans) are actually a self-contain ecosystem which has nested ecosystems within and at the same time are also part of the bigger ecosystems without. As with the Cosmic Turtle mythic, it's just turtles all the way down.
The gut microbiome is getting a huge amount of attention in slowing down disease process and disease stability. Just the beginning for this I believe. I take Kombucha regularly and watch the science on gut microbes that may make a difference in cancer. It is seriously encouraging...
I agree its fascinating! Tried to find if fecal transplantation could help my father before, but there was only trials for myeloma. Do you have any links on microbes and prostate cancer?
They are looking into fecal transplantation from patients that are successfully fighting PCa into those that are struggling. Here is an interesting article and the bacterium--- A. muciniphilia.
I got a reply from the scientist in the article you referred to:
Hello from Canada. I’m glad you enjoyed the article but am very sorry to hear about your father.
Testing his gut bacteria is not likely to provide you any actionable information to work with. To gain Insight from these sorts of tests you need many points of comparison (e.g. other patients with similar conditions + healthy controls). Instead, it might be more favourable to test a biopsy sample for potential bacteria (e.g. inflammatory Corynebacterium species). Targeted usage of antibiotics for example might improve efficacy of cancer treatment. Check out the following articles for more information on the topic:
On the other hand, Akkermansia in the gut seems to improve a wide range of metabolic diseases and helps improve cancer treatment outcomes. Our study found that acetate (the inactive component of the cancer drug abiraterone acetate) could promote the growth of this beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. Though, many other studies suggest high dietary intake of polyphenol rich food is a good strategy to increase Akkermansia as well (blueberries and blackberries especially). There is a lot of interest in using akkermansia as a probiotic and I’m sure several companies are planning to release products including it. At the current time, the only supplier I know of is a US company selling it as a “medical grade” probiotic (pendulumlife.com). I have no connections to the company whatsoever. The formulation contains several other beneficial bacterium as well that were together shown in clinical trials to be beneficial for improving insulin regulation. So it is being marketed towards treating diabetes, but likely can support metabolic health in other disease states.
You might also consider looking into supplementation with vitamin k2 (specifically the mk-7 isoform). As discussed in our Nature Communication article, it is a prospective anti cancer agent. It is usually produced by the “good” bacteria in the gut, but dietary intake is important too. A large observational study suggests a strong inverse association between dietary intake of vitamin K2 and prostate cancer. Study here:
To summarize, it is my opinion that Akkermansia, vitamin k2, and possibly antibiotic treatment of bacterial pathogens in the prostate itself may improve treatment outcome. However, I am a scientist and not a medical doctor, and thus cannot formally recommend this as healthcare advice.
I do hope the information I provided helps you on your journey, and I wish you and your father all the best.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
The Evolving Role of Diet in Prostate Cancer Risk and Progression
