Prostate cancer

The measles virus strain MV-Edm engineered to express human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been shown to infect, replicate within and kill prostate cancer cells. The study authors investigated the action of MV-CEA against human prostate cancer cell lines in vitro and in a PC-3 xenograft mouse model. Mice treated with MV-CEA had significantly delayed tumor growth and longer survival compared with controls.

Msaouel, P. et al. Engineered measles virus as a novel oncolytic therapy against prostate cancer. Prostate 69, 82–91 (2009).

Tumor angiogenesis is inhibited by the cholesterol-uptake blocker ezetimibe, according to a study examining the effect of diet and cholesterol levels on human prostate cancer xenografts in mice. Raised serum cholesterol was associated with tumor growth and increased microvessel density, whereas reduction in cholesterol by ezetimibe was associated with increased levels of thrombospondin-1, an angiogenesis inhibitor, and reduced tumor growth.

Solomon, K. R. et al. Ezetimibe is an inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis. Am. J. Pathol. 174, 1017–1026 (2009).

Sexual dysfunction

Jern, P. et al. Evidence for a genetic etiology to ejaculatory dysfunction. Int. J. Impot. Res. 21, 62–67 (2009).

Research into ejaculatory function has indicated that there might be a genetic basis for premature ejaculation (PE). A study in twins and siblings aged 18–48 years reported no familial or genetic associations with delayed ejaculation, but confirmed previous reports that PE has a genetic etiology. The authors suggest that PE could have been an evolutionary adaptation.

Urinary incontinence

Han, L. et al. Cumulative anticholinergic exposure is associated with poor memory and executive function in older men. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 56, 2203–2210 (2008).

Chronic anticholinergic use has detrimental effects on memory and the ability to perform daily tasks in men aged ≥65 years with hypertension. Anticholinergics are commonly used to treat urinary incontinence. Using measures of verbal recall and executive function, investigators found that cumulative use of anticholinergics over a 12-month period was associated with decline in cognitive function, independent of other potential risk factors.