A new study by researchers at Campinas State University (Unicamp) and published in Scientific Reports concluded that the Zika virus may inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation. The information is from the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo.
The research supported by Fapesp conducted experiments with a viral strain obtained from samples isolated from an infected patient in Ceará. After cultivation in the laboratory, the virus was heated at 56 ° C for one hour to inhibit its potential for causing an infection.
After that, they brought the virus into contact with a tumor cell culture and two days later reaped the results. It was observed that the strain that came in contact with the inactivated virus showed a 50% lower growth of cancer cells.
This is not the first time this group of scientists has observed the positive potential of the Zika virus against cancer. A previous study had already shown that the pathogen was effective in fighting brain tumors.
The next step of research will focus on conducting animal testing. If the results are positive, the researchers will try to partner to start clinical trials.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common among men in Brazil, behind only non-melanoma skin.
In the early stages, the disease has no signs or symptoms, hence the importance of the annual preventive check up from 50 years. Black men or those with a family history of the disease should begin prevention before age 45.
What are the recommended exams?
Total and free PSA annual dosing is recommended and associated with physical examination including prostate touch. This rectal exam that still encounters some cultural resistance is necessary because some rare types of prostate cancer have the characteristic of not altering the PSA exam but can be detected at an early stage with rectal examination.