Science Lesson No. 3

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In The Blow-up Man, Todd is trying to get funding for his lab to explore the effects of xe51β to stunt the growth/division of prostate cancer cells (you don’t want the tumor to get bigger, right?). Endothelin can constrict your blood vessels, but it can also cause growth/division of prostate cancer cells. Since xe51β is an endothelin receptor antagonist, Todd hopes the drug will be an effective treatment to limit tumor progression as well.

His grant application is due the next day, but he’s doing a last-minute experiment to be included with the preliminary data he wants to submit. He’s trying to get up to the lab to help Faye with the final experiment, but Annette pulls one of her “stunts”. Annette knows Todd has a deadline, but she doesn’t come pick-up the kids like she said she was going to do, so Todd is left to stay at home and watch over them. Thanks to Faye, and her friend Vindeya Datta, the experiment gets completed, and the application submitted on time.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? There are generally no symptoms in the early stage of prostate cancer and is usually found with screening, such as PSA.  Problems urinating, blood in urine, erectile dysfunction, or bone pain to the hips, back, or chest can be seen in more advanced prostate cancer.

Join me next time when we discuss Dr. Morton’s brain cancer. Does anybody remember who he is? Bye for now, Nina B.