Podcast: Do Genetics and Diet Increase Prostate Cancer Risk?
Dr. Nima Sharifi speaks with Dean Henri Ford about how genetic mutations influence the body’s response to prostate cancer treatment.
Nima Sharifi, M.D., scientific director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute and a close collaborator with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and his team are transforming how we understand and treat one of the most common and lethal cancers in men, prostate cancer.
While initial treatments offer hope, many patients find that their cancer returns with often fatal outcomes. But what if the key to stopping this deadly progression lies in our genes?
In the latest edition of “Inside U Miami Medicine,” Dr. Sharifi shares how genetic mutations, particularly in the HSD3B1 gene, influence the body’s response to prostate cancer treatment. His groundbreaking research revealed that a specific genetic variant enables tumors to bypass common treatments, effectively producing their own hormones to fuel cancer growth.
“This is clearly linked to prostate cancer death, so this probably makes it the most common single gene link to prostate cancer death,” said Dr. Sharifi. “And this is not a rare genetic variant. On average, one in two men inherent one copy of it.”
Dr. Sharifi is also examining the connection between diet and prostate cancer. He is pioneering a study on how specific diets — such as low-fat and low-carb regimens — might impact tumor growth.
Tune in to this episode for an in-depth conversation about the future of prostate cancer treatment, the role of genetics and how innovative research is offering new hope for patients facing this life-threatening disease.
Tags: cancer research, Department of Urology, Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Dr. Nima Sharifi, genetics, prostate cancer