Researchers have identified five types of bacteria that are linked to aggressive prostate cancer from urine and tissue samples of men with the condition. It is hoped the discovery could help target this bacteria and slow or prevent the development of aggressive disease.
Scientists do not yet know how people pick up the bacteria, or whether they are causing the disease. Project lead Professor Colin Cooper from the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Norwich Medical School, said: “We already know of some strong associations between infections and cancer.
“For example, the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the digestive tract can lead to stomach ulcers and is associated with stomach cancer, and some types of the HPV virus can cause cervical cancer. We wanted to find out whether bacteria could be linked to the way prostate cancer grows and spreads.”
