In people with cancer angiogenesis involves the growth of tiny new blood vessels to generate a blood supply for tumors. This process has been shown to play an important role in the growth, proliferation and spread of prostate cancer tumors.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a chemical signal produced by cells that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels. VEGF Inhibitors are a class of therapies that target the VEGF chemical pathway, aiming to prevent angiogenisis and tumor vascularization.

An article in Curr Mol Pharmacol. discusses this “major angiogenic signaling pathway involving VEGF in prostate cancer progression and the role of various promising agents that target this pathway.”

For a glimpse into what your oncologist can learn about prostate cancer this fall check out the agenda for this October 31, 2009 conference. Unfortunately, for prostate cancer this learning session reflects no rapid advancements in standard of care. But if your oncologist falls beneath this standard, find someone better:

Androgen-deprivation therapy is well-established for treating prostate cancer but is associated with bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. Matthew R. Smith and an international team investigated the effects of denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of nuclear factor-{kappa}B ligand, on bone mineral density and fractures in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. In today’s New England Journal of Medicine, August 20, they report positive results:

Hispanics who move to the USA increase their risk of several types of cancer within the first generation. Increased risk of prostate, colorectal and endometrial cancer affect people who move to the USA from Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and other Latin American nations, according to a study published August 1, 2009 in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention.

Some cancers such as stomach cancer that are common in the countries of origin become less of a threat; but first generation Hispanic/Latino immigrants may find themselves at risk for types of cancer which never affected their families in the old country.

James Watson, the scientist who was one of the discoverers of the double-helical structure of DNA, says in an op-ed today that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is “a largely rudderless ship in dire need of a bold captain.” Aside from that, Watson is optimistic:

Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, age 65, announced on Friday that he had prostate cancer, in an early, treatable form. His PSA blood test, taken during an annual physical exam, plus follow up biopsy and treatment are covered by his Congressional health care plan, he said.

Princeton, New Jersey; July 9, 2009 — Sandoz today announced the introduction of bicalutamide tablets, USP a generic equivalent of Casodex®, in the United States. Bicalutamide is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate.

According to IMS Health, US sales for branded bicalutamide tablets, USP were approximately USD 319 million for the twelve months ending April 2009. Sandoz will market bicalutamide in 50mg strength tablets, the same as Casodex®.

A reader says I showed lack of objectivity in my post yesterday on whether Obama will slash reimbursements for proton beam therapy for prostate cancer. It’s true, I don’t want to see prostate cancer patients lose the option of proton beam therapy.

Proton beam therapy for prostate cancer, a treatment that attracts more than an average numbers of engineers, scientists and pilots, is coming under intense scrutiny from reporters who expect it to be questioned by the Obama adminstration’s health-care reform team.

Drop Everything and fight cancers below the waist! is the slogan of Underwear Affair, a fundraising and awareness event initiated in Canada and now reaching Los Angeles and beyond.

People hit the streets of Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Los Angeles dressed in everything from briefs and boy-shorts to t-shirts and tracksuits to help fund life-saving research for cancers like prostate, colorectal, cervical, ovarian, and others that occur below the waist.

Runners and walkers of all ages and athletic abilities join in dressed for hilarious fun. After the races, the Underwear Affair party features dancing and an outrageous costume contest.

For video of last year’s event in Vancouver …