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Ageism in prostate cancer treatment

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Posted 1/13/2015 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Some new studies demonstrate that high risk PC is often under-treated in the elderly, while low risk PC is over-treated. This article will be of interest to us ageing baby-boomers and caregivers. It argues for a shared decision-making process with doctors, rather than an arbitrary chronological age cut-off.

Ageism in prostate cancer treatment
Posted 1/14/2015 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
TA -

As one of the "older guys" here, I did read the above article with interest. Thanks for posting it.

It did raise a question in my mind, though, one perhaps a bit off the thread topic, but I bet you're the one who would know the answer.

It has been known for some time that PCa comes in different "strains," or sub-types. Here's an article, for example, that discusses that in some detail, maintaining that there are as many as 15-18 such strains:

prostatecancerinfolink.net/2009/06/02/how-many-types-of-prostate-cancer-are-there/

My question is: has anyone ever done a study on whether some strains occur more frequently among older guys than younger ones, or vice-versa?

If there is such a correlation, maybe it could shed some light on the workings of PCa?
Posted 1/14/2015 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I think that's a great question. If they have, I haven't seen it either. Perhaps as the genetic tests like Prolaris, OncotypeDx and Decipher build their databases, they will be able to provide that kind of information. I know there is a correlation with genetic risk factors like reduced telomere length, activation of telomerase, and DNA methylation, all of which increase with age.

- Allen
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