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Scientists continue to look at new ways to prevent, treat, and diagnose prostate Cancer. Research has already led to a number of advances in these areas.

Several studies are under way to explore the causes of prostate cancer. Some researchers think that diet may affect a man's chances of developing prostate cancer. For example, some studies show that prostate cancer is more common in populations that consume a high-fat diet, particularly animal fat, and in populations with diets that lack certain nutrients.

Some research suggests that high levels of Testosterone may increase a man's risk of prostate cancer. The difference in prostate cancer risk among racial groups could be related to high testosterone levels, but it also could result from diet or other lifestyle factors.

Researchers are studying changes in genes that may increase the risk for developing prostate cancer. Some studies are looking at the genes of men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer at a relatively young age, such as less than 55 years old, and the genes of families who have several members with the disease. Other studies are trying to identify which genes, or arrangements of genes, are most likely to lead to prostate cancer. Much more work is needed, however, before scientists can say exactly how Genetic changes relate to prostate cancer.

Several studies are under way to explore ways to prevent prostate cancer. These include the use of dietary supplements such as vitamin E and selenium. In addition, recent studies suggest that a diet that regularly includes tomato-based foods may help protect men from prostate cancer.

According to results of a recent study, men who took finasteride, a drug that affects male hormone levels, reduced their chances of getting prostate cancer by nearly 25 percent compared to men who took a Placebo.

Scientists are also looking at ways to stop prostate cancer from returning in men who have already been treated for the disease. These approaches use drugs such as finasteride, flutamide, nilutamide, and LH-RH agonists that manipulate hormone levels. One recent study found that the combination of nilutamide and an experimental cancer vaccine was effective in reducing recurrence of prostate cancer. The experimental vaccine was designed to strengthen the body's natural defenses against prostate cancer.

Researchers also are looking at diets that are low in fat and high in soy, fruits, vegetables, and other food products to see if they might prevent a recurrence.

At this time, doctors are not sure whether screening for prostate cancer actually saves lives, even if the disease is found at an earlier stage.

Some researchers are working to develop new blood tests to detect the antibodies that the Immune system produces to fight prostate cancer. When used along with PSA testing, the antibody tests may provide more accurate results about whether or not a man has prostate cancer.

Through research, doctors are trying to find new, more effective ways to treat prostate cancer. Cryosurgery -- destroying cancer by freezing it -- is under study as an alternative to surgery and Radiation Therapy. To avoid damaging healthy tissue, the doctor places an instrument known as a cryoprobe in direct contact with the Tumor to freeze it.

Doctors are studying new ways of using radiation therapy and hormonal therapy, too. Studies have shown that hormonal therapy given after radiation therapy can help certain men whose cancer has spread to nearby tissues.

Scientists are also testing the effectiveness of Chemotherapy and Biological Therapy for men whose cancer does not respond, or stops responding, to hormonal therapy. They are also exploring new ways to schedule and combine various treatments. For example, they are studying hormonal therapy to find out if using it to shrink the tumor before a man has surgery or radiation might be a useful approach.

For men with early stage prostate cancer, researchers are also comparing treatment with watchful waiting. The results of this work will help doctors know whether to treat early stage prostate cancer immediately or only later on, if symptoms occur or worsen.