Prostate cancer prevention

In a news exclusive, BN has learned of not-yet-announced medical research that may offer hope for prostate cancer. Sources say that Canadian researchers will soon report details of a study showing that certain nutrients taken together can halt the loss of telomeres--the tiny clocks that control cell death.

When a number of telomeres are lost, tumor growth begins. Preventing their loss--which the Toronto scientists have accomplished with a simple nutritional mix--blocks the development of prostate cancer.

To achieve this cancer-block effect, the study tested a powdered blend of vitamin E, selenium and soy. The research was done with mice, and when published, the results should create quite a buzz. The mice--specially programmed to get prostate cancer--had very few tumors and 80 percent never acquired any tumors at all.

But will these amazing results hold true for humans?

Expectations are high, and the answer may not be long in coming. For the past 3 years, University of Toronto researchers and a local hospital have been conducting the same blind study on a number of higher risk adult men. A final answer is expected in 2 years.