New tools for combatting breast cancer
Immunotherapy has become a standard of care in treating high-risk, early-stage breast cancers, yet it has had limited success in shrinking tumors, so new biomarkers that can improve outcomes for patients are urgently needed. Now, researchers at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, have found that repeated blood sampling (liquid biopsy) can assess and predict the evolving antitumor immune response to therapy.
This minimally invasive and cost-effective alternative to tissue biopsy offers “an accessible tool for tailoring treatment strategies in breast cancer,” they reported April 22 in the journal Science Translational Medicine. The researchers performed RNA sequencing on 546 peripheral blood samples from 160 women with high-risk, stage 2 or 3 breast cancers during treatment with either chemotherapy alone or in combination with immunotherapy.
While validation is needed, this new liquid biopsy has the potential to “guide immunotherapy decision-making, tailor treatment regimens, and advance precision oncology, not only in breast cancer but potentially in other solid tumors as well,” the researchers concluded.
New guidance for men with prostate cancer
The Urology Care Foundation (UCF), the official foundation of the American Urological Association (AUA), and the prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) recently released a new educational guide on genetic tests to guide treatment decisions for men with advanced prostate cancer. The guide, called “Somatic and Germline Genetic Testing for Patients with Advanced prostate Cancer: What You Should Know,” explains two types of genetic tests that can help patients and their doctors choose the best treatment.
“Advanced prostate cancer isn’t the same for everyone. A treatment that helps one person might not help someone else,” said Dr. Harris M. Nagler, president of the Urology Care Foundation. “These tests give patients and doctors important information to help choose the best treatment at the right time. We’re proud to work with the prostate Cancer Foundation to help more people learn about these options.”
Somatic (tumor) testing looks at changes in the genes and proteins of the tumor itself. Germline (hereditary) testing checks for inherited gene changes that can run in families. Together, these tests can show which treatments are most likely to work and help reveal eligibility for clinical trials of new therapies. They also can identify patients and their families who may be at higher risk for certain cancers, so they can take preventive steps.
“Every patient with advanced prostate cancer should feel empowered to ask their doctor about somatic and germline genetic testing,” said Dr. Phillip J. Koo, who is the chief medical officer of the prostate Cancer Foundation. “These tests are now an essential part of advanced prostate cancer care and can improve outcomes.”
There is currently no way to completely prevent prostate cancer. Many of the most common prostate cancer risk factors such as older age, ethnicity and family history cannot be changed. However, adopting certain lifestyle habits may help lower your risk.
These healthy habits include not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. There is some evidence to suggest that obesity may increase a man’s risk for prostate cancer. Eating a well-balanced diet is paramount. Studies have shown that high-fat diets may increase the risk for prostate cancer. It is recommended that men choose a low-fat diet and limit processed and fatty foods, red meat and dairy.
Men are urged to eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and exercise regularly. The recommendation calls for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week of moderate exercise. Alcohol consumption matters. The American Cancer Society (ACS) strongly recommends not drinking alcohol. If you do drink alcohol, the ACS recommends no more than two drinks per day for men.
Prostate cancer detection guidelines updated
This year, the American Urological Association (AUA), in partnership with the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO), released the 2026 amendment to the Early Detection of prostate Cancer Guideline. This Guideline is intended to provide a framework to facilitate clinical decision-making in the implementation of prostate cancer screening and follow-up.
“This amendment reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that patients and clinicians have access to the most current, evidence‑based recommendations for early detection of prostate cancer,” said guideline amendment chair, Dr. Daniel Lin. “As the science evolves, so must our guidance. These updates incorporate the latest data to support more personalized, informed, and effective screening and follow‑up strategies for patients at risk.”
This guideline has 35 recommendations and serves as a useful reference on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, initial and repeat biopsies, and biopsy techniques as it relates to early detection of prostate cancer. The guideline changes include new information on digital rectal examination. It also contains new information on 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that are commonly prescribed to men over the age of 60.
“The Society of Urologic Oncology is proud to partner with the AUA on this important update,” said Dr. Adam Kibel, president of the Society of Urologic Oncology. “These revisions strengthen our shared mission of advancing high‑quality, patient‑centered care by integrating new research, new technologies, and the best available evidence into everyday clinical practice.”
John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute. He can be reached at medicalminutes@gmail.com..
John Schieszer is an award-winning national journalist and radio and podcast broadcaster of The Medical Minute.
