UPDATE
n° 203 | January 2026
In this issue:

Population based screening results in few biopsies

Early findings from PRAISE-U pilots presented
28 Jan 2026

National screening programme announced in Croatia

News comes as Croatian prostate cancer patients’ society celebrates anniversary
13 Jan 2026

Could vegetable-rich diet slow progression?

Evidence of impact published in European Association of Urology journal
8 Jan 2026
Prostate Research and Treatments

ProFam-Risk: personalised prostate cancer prevention

ProFam-Risk is a pioneering registry at University Hospital Düsseldorf testing a personalised approach for men with familial or genetic prostate cancer risk. Combining genetic testing, multiparametric MRI and psychosocial assessment, the study tailors counselling and screening to individual risk.

As of July 2025, 123 men have been enrolled across three cohorts, including men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, those with known pathogenic germline variants (such as BRCA1/2) and men already diagnosed with prostate cancer and a familial or genetic predisposition. Early results suggest the model is feasible and well accepted, though larger cohorts will be needed to confirm its broader impact.

Final study completion is expected in February 2027. You can read the article here.

Targeting metabolism: a new approach in prostate cancer

Advanced cases of prostate cancer often resist standard therapies like androgen deprivation. New research shows that metabolic changes in cancer cells drive growth and therapy resistance, revealing promising treatment targets.

According to an article in the Chinese Medical Journal, prostate cancer cells rewire their metabolism in three main ways, via glucose, glutamine and lipids. The tumour microenvironment supports these changes, with surrounding fibroblasts supplying nutrients and lactate creating immune suppression.

The authors say that targeting these metabolic vulnerabilities with drugs like GLS1 inhibitors, FASN inhibitors or statins offers new hope for treating advanced prostate cancer, complementing existing therapies and potentially overcoming resistance.

Read more here.

Study links processed food preservatives to prostate cancer risk

A large French study in the British Medical Journal suggests that some common food preservatives may slightly increase the risk of prostate cancer. Researchers tracked 105,000 adults over seven years and found that sodium nitrite, often used in processed meats, was associated with a 32% higher risk of prostate cancer.

While most preservatives showed no link to cancer, this finding adds to concerns about long-term exposure to certain additives. The researchers note that preservatives may influence immune function and inflammation, potentially contributing to cancer risk.

The study highlights the need for moderation and careful labelling.

Read the full article here.

Nuclear medicine as a strategic opportunity for Europe

On 18 November 2025, policymakers, healthcare experts, patient representatives, and industry leaders gathered for a meeting on “Nuclear Medicine as a Strategic Opportunity for Europe”, hosted by MEP Jeannette Baljeu. The event explored how nuclear medicine—especially radioligand therapies—is revolutionising patient care, offering more personalised treatments and improving quality of life.

Speakers highlighted Europe’s potential to lead globally in healthcare innovation while addressing challenges such as regulatory hurdles, reimbursement, and equitable access across countries. There were patient stories, expert insights and policy debates.

Read a short meeting report written by Dirk Wyndaele, prostate cancer patient, The Netherlands.

EAU screening webinar available to view

The latest European Association of Urology webinar on population-based prostate cancer screening is now available to watch on YouTube.

The webinar highlighted key initiatives such as PRAISE-U, the Swedish Regional Organised Prostate Cancer Testing (OPT) scheme, and EUCanScreen. Experts discussed the challenges of large-scale implementation, addressed common criticisms of screening and examined strategies to improve effectiveness, including the use of MRI, genetic testing and cross-border collaboration.

Watch the full webinar here.

Europa Uomo News

Winter School 2026: Become a patient advocate

Thirty-two participants will train to become expert patient advocates at our Winter School on 8th to 13th February in Brussels. It will combine personal experience with knowledge of healthcare systems, clinical trials, and EU-level policy.

Topics include:

  • Clinical trials and evidence-based advocacy

  • Regulations, reimbursement and patient rights

  • Advanced advocacy skills: shared decision-making, AI, peer support.

The programme also includes networking and cultural experiences, with a visit to Brussels’ European Quarter and a Belgian dinner.

Europa Uomo 2026 General Assembly in Ayia Napa

Europa Uomo is excited to announce that its 2026 General Assembly meeting will take place in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, on 21st to 24th May. The Assembly itself will be held on Friday, 22nd May, with English as the official language.

The meeting will include: presentation of the Board’s annual report, approval of accounts and budget, election of Board members and a special Masterclass.

Each member organisation may send two delegates (Europa Uomo covers flights and accommodation for up to three nights for delegates, four nights for Board members). Partners are welcome to join at personal cost. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

Registration forms will be sent in early February 2026. Stay tuned for more details on joining this important event!

Items of Interest

European Cancer Screening and Early Detection Policy Summit

Three years ago, the European Union set a new direction for cancer screening, aiming to save lives through earlier detection of prostate, lung, and gastric cancer.

Through the EU-funded projects PRAISE-U, SOLACE, and TOGAS, innovative screening approaches have been piloted. Now, the time has come to take stock of progress and move from pilots to real-world programmes.

A  two-day event organised by the European Cancer Organisation brings together policymakers, researchers, clinicians and stakeholders from across the cancer community to reflect on lessons learned and discuss the next steps toward implementation.

The event, will be held in person in Brussels and online on 17th-18th February. The venue is Cardo Brussels, Avenue du Boulevard 14, 1210 Brussels, Belgium

Registratio is now open — secure your place.

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