A recent study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that the diabetes drug metformin may replicate part of the metabolic effects of exercise in prostate cancer patients. Researchers found that metformin significantly increases levels of N-lactoyl-phenylalanine (Lac-Phe), a molecule produced during physical activity and linked to appetite and weight regulation. Remarkably, Lac-Phe levels in patients taking metformin were comparable to those seen after strenuous exercise, regardless of cancer stage or treatment type.

The findings come from analyses of participants in the BIMET-1 clinical trial, along with an expanded prostate cancer cohort. Using advanced metabolic profiling techniques, researchers confirmed a consistent rise in Lac-Phe among patients receiving metformin, while those not taking the drug showed no such change.

Importantly, patients on metformin also demonstrated better weight control during hormone-based prostate cancer therapy, often maintaining or losing weight over time compared to controls. This effect is particularly relevant because androgen deprivation therapy is known to contribute to weight gain and metabolic complications.

While other metabolic markers like GDF15 also increased, Lac-Phe showed the strongest association with favorable weight trends, though a direct causal link was not established. Overall, the study suggests metformin may mimic some exercise-like metabolic benefits, potentially offering a supportive strategy for managing weight in prostate cancer care.

Read the article here.

At EAU26, experts showed Europe is moving towards organized, risk-adapted prostate cancer screening.
The PRAISE-U initiative and national pilots demonstrate that PSA testing, MRI, and selective biopsy pathways are feasible, cost-effective and eccepted by men provided that communication, primary care involvement, and digital tools are in place.

Evidence shows improved early detection with reduced unnecessary procedures when structured algorithms are used.

Despite remaining challenges, Europe is shifting from opportunistic testing to coordinated, data-driven screening systems.
The overall vision is more equitable, efficient, and patient-centered prostate cancer screening across Europe.

Read the full article here.

A new immunotherapy drug, VIR-5500, has shown promising early results in treating advanced prostate cancer by helping the immune system target tumour cells. In a phase one trial involving 58 men, most experienced only mild side effects, and many showed significant reductions in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Among patients receiving the highest dose, over 80% saw PSA levels drop by at least half, with some experiencing near-complete reductions. The treatment also led to tumour shrinkage in several cases, including one patient whose liver lesions disappeared entirely. Experts described the findings as “stunning,” especially for a cancer type previously resistant to immunotherapy. However, further large-scale trials are needed to confirm the drug’s effectiveness and safety.

Read the article here.

Rapid diagnostic pathways (RDPs) are designed to shorten the time to a cancer diagnosis—but faster isn’t always better for patients’ peace of mind.

A recent study in BMJ Connections Oncology shows that while patients appreciate quicker results, their anxiety is shaped more by communication than by speed alone. Clear explanations, consistent information, and opportunities to ask questions are key to reducing uncertainty during the diagnostic process.

When communication is lacking, a fast-moving pathway can even increase stress, leaving patients feeling rushed or disempowered.

The takeaway: efficient care must go hand in hand with patient-centred communication to truly improve the diagnostic experience.

You can read the full article, published in BMJ Connections Oncology, here.

In this video from the Active Surveillance Patients International (ASPI), Dr. John Oliffe highlights the often-overlooked emotional toll of prostate cancer, especially anxiety during Active Surveillance. He explains how stress builds around tests and waiting periods, and how men’s anxiety may appear as irritability, withdrawal, or restlessness rather than obvious worry.

The session distinguishes anxiety from depression and explores how uncertainty, stigma, and isolation affect coping. Dr. Oliffe emphasizes the importance of trust in doctors, support networks, and shared experiences. He offers practical coping strategies such as exercise, routine, therapy, and a simple support approach: Ask, Listen, Encourage, and Check back.

Watch the video here.

In the previous Update n° 205 we were pleased to introduce Angelina Kogur, the new Communications and Policy Officer at the European Prostate Cancer Coalition (Europa Uomo).

Angelina joins the team with a strong commitment to advancing patient advocacy and strengthening communication efforts across Europe. In her role, she will focus on enhancing policy engagement, supporting awareness initiatives, and improving outreach to stakeholders and partners.

For all communications and policy-related inquiries, Angelina can be reached via the contact details below:

Angelina Kogur
Communications and Policy Officer
European Prostate Cancer Coalition (Europa Uomo)
Email: angelina.kogur@europa-uomo.org
Tel: +32 (472) 06 75 30
Address: Brusselstraat 51, 2018 Antwerp – Belgium.

We warmly welcome Angelina to the team and look forward to her contributions in strengthening our mission.

Starting next month, the Europa Uomo Update newsletter will be getting a fresh new look. We’re excited to introduce a redesigned format that will make our updates clearer, more engaging, and easier to read—while continuing to bring you the latest news and insights.

Cancer is already a leading cause of death in Europe, with 2.7 million diagnoses and 1.3 million deaths annually—and cases rising by 24% by 2035. Yet the proposed EU budget risks merging health funding into a broader competitiveness fund, reducing transparency and long-term protection.

Critics warn this could weaken investment in cancer prevention, care, and research, despite rising needs and strong public support for more EU action on health. Health is seen not as separate from competitiveness, but as its foundation.

The European Parliament now faces a key decision: whether to keep health as a protected, standalone priority or allow it to be absorbed into a broader competitiveness mega-fund with no guaranteed allocation for cancer.

This vote will shape Europe’s ability to respond to the growing cancer burden for decades to come.

At the initiative of WECAN, Europa Uomo undersigned an open letter to call on all Members of the European Parliament to:

1. Protect Health as a Standalone Budget Priority
2. Safeguard Investment in Cancer
3. Ensure Health Remains a Standalone Priority within a Competitive Europe
4. Vote with Full Awareness of the Consequences
5. Align the MFF with Agenda 2030 and WHO standards for Universal Health Coverage

The letter can be viewed here.