Early detection of prostate cancer: Researchers discover new bacteria as markers
Created: 04/26/2022, 22:39
By: Yasina Hipp
The prostate is affected in 22 percent of cancer cases in German men.
© picture alliance/dpa/Axel Heimken
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Germany.
A team of researchers is now discovering new types of bacteria that could help with early detection.
Norwich - At around 22 percent, prostate cancer accounts for almost a quarter of all cancers in men in Germany.
This type of cancer is also widespread worldwide.
About 250,000 men die from the malignant tumor every year.
The likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases with age.
According to the German Cancer Aid Foundation, the risk also increases if there have already been cases, especially among "first-degree" relatives in the family.
For early detection, men over the age of 45 are entitled to an annual palpation examination of the prostate.
This examination is paid for by the statutory health insurance companies.
A blood test, the so-called PSA test, is not covered but recommended.
Researchers in England have now discovered four new types of bacteria that could also help with early detection.
Prostate cancer: Study from England with new findings
A research team from Great Britain published the study entitled "Microbiomes of urine and prostate are associated with human prostate cancer risk groups" in the journal "European Urology Oncology".
The main finding of the British scientists: Bacteria in the urine and in the prostate can act as potential prognostic markers.
In conjunction with data from other studies, this should provide a starting point for future investigations into the role of bacteria in the development of prostate cancer.
Study: Microbiomes of Urine and the Prostate Are Linked to Human Prostate Cancer Risk Groups
Publication date: 04/18/2022 in
European Urology Oncology
Authors: Rachel Hurst, Emma Meader, Abraham Gihawi et al.
Sample: 215 patients
Prostate cancer: Existence of prostate-urinary circulation possibly confirmed
In the study, the research team examined the urine and prostate secretions of 215 patients who already had prostate cancer.
"Material secreted by the prostate appears in the urine, and the reflux of urine into the prostate is well documented, which supports the existence of a prostate-urinary circulation," the researchers explain their approach.
In the next step, several genera and species of bacteria were identified using DNA extraction.
Four of them could not be matched with previously known types of bacteria.
The team stated that "large accumulations of bacteria in the urine can also be significantly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer".
From their findings, the scientists hope that Dr.
Rachel Hurst,
