Studies

Clinical Evidence for Prostate Recovery

Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder, intestines, and sexual function. Initially developed for women, they've since proven beneficial for male pelvic health, particularly for men recovering from prostate surgery.

Research-Backed Benefits

• Urinary Incontinence: A systematic review by MacDonald et al. (2018) found that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) significantly improves urinary continence in men following radical prostatectomy, with better outcomes when started early post-surgery.
• Erectile Function: A randomized controlled trial by Dorey et al. (2005) demonstrated men with erectile dysfunction who performed Kegel exercises for three months reported improved erectile rigidity and control, comparable to pharmacological interventions in certain cases.
• Post-Prostatectomy Recovery: Berghmans et al. (2019) found that men who performed Kegel exercises before and after prostate surgery exhibited faster recovery of urinary continence compared to controls.

Clinical Implementation

1. Identify the correct muscles by attempting to stop urination midstream (for identification only).
2. Contract these muscles for 3-5 seconds, then relax for an equal duration.
3. Perform 10-15 repetitions, three times daily.
4. Avoid engaging abdominal or gluteal muscles during the exercise.
5. Gradually increase duration and intensity over time for optimal results.

Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially following prostate surgery.

Traditional Knowledge and Modern Research

The New Zealand Kawakawa tree (Piper excelsum) has been utilized in traditional Māori medicine (rongoā Māori) for treating various ailments. Recent scientific studies at Auckland University have begun to validate its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer effects.

Scientifically Validated Properties

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Research demonstrates Kawakawa extracts have significant anti-inflammatory properties through modulation of cytokine pathways such as IL-6 and NF-κB, which are implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases including cancer.
• Antimicrobial Activity: Studies have confirmed effectiveness against common pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, supporting its traditional use for infections.
• Analgesic Properties: Compounds such as pellitorine demonstrate analgesic effects, validating its traditional use for pain management.
• Potential Anticancer Activity: Recent research suggests certain compounds in Kawakawa, particularly piperdardine and piperchabamide A, may have cytotoxic effects against specific cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values around 14 µM against HT-29 colon cancer cells.

Current Clinical Research

Auckland University researchers are exploring Kawakawa's potential in metabolic health, gut microbiota modulation, and chronic disease management. Clinical trials co-designed with rongoā Māori practitioners are assessing its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and improving health outcomes.

While research is promising, this information should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult healthcare providers regarding treatment options. For more information about this research you can visit University of Auckland

Innovative Non-Invasive Detection

K9 Medical Detection (K9MD) is a pioneering New Zealand program that trains dogs to detect cancer and other medical conditions through scent detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This initiative provides non-invasive, early detection methods that complement traditional diagnostic techniques.

Clinical Trial Results

• High Accuracy Rates: Clinical trials in New Zealand have demonstrated that trained dogs can detect prostate cancer through urine samples with sensitivity and specificity that sometimes exceeds conventional diagnostic methods.
• Notable Success Stories: Trained dogs like Frieda (German Shepherd) have demonstrated remarkable success in prostate cancer detection, identifying cancer samples with up to 96-100% sensitivity and specificity in validation tests.
• Ongoing Progress: K9MD reported further detection successes in 2023, with dogs like Hero and Weta achieving up to 100% detection rates in validation studies.
• Research Expansion: Recent funding in March 2025 supports continued research and development in this field, focusing on creating reliable, non-invasive diagnostic protocols.

Future Applications

K9MD is conducting clinical trials aimed at developing a simple, non-invasive urine test for early prostate cancer detection. This technology could potentially reduce reliance on invasive biopsies while improving early detection rates, particularly for high-risk populations.

For the latest information on these trials or to participate in research, visit the K9MD website or consult with your healthcare provider.

Active Research Programs

New Zealand institutions are conducting several significant research initiatives focused on improving prostate cancer outcomes:

• University of Otago: Researchers are investigating genetic markers for aggressive prostate cancer to develop more targeted treatment approaches.
• University of Auckland: Studies on novel imaging techniques aim to improve early detection and staging accuracy.
• Malaghan Institute: Immunotherapy research is exploring new approaches to harness the immune system against prostate cancer.
• Canterbury District Health Board: Clinical trials are evaluating quality of life outcomes for different treatment protocols.

Participation Opportunities

Patients interested in contributing to research advancement may consider:

• Clinical trial participation through oncology departments
• Registry studies tracking long-term outcomes
• Quality of life research programs
• Biospecimen donation for cancer research

Discuss research participation options with your healthcare team or contact the Cancer Society of New Zealand for information about current studies seeking participants.

Evidence-Based Complementary Approaches

Several complementary approaches have demonstrated benefits for prostate cancer patients when used alongside conventional medical treatment:

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce treatment side effects, improve quality of life, and may slow disease progression. The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly.
• Diet Modifications: Research suggests diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red meat may benefit prostate cancer patients. Mediterranean diet patterns have shown particular promise.
• Mind-Body Practices: Meditation, yoga, and guided imagery have demonstrated benefits for managing stress, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall wellbeing during treatment.
• Acupuncture: Some studies suggest acupuncture may help manage treatment-related side effects such as hot flashes from hormone therapy.

Integration with Conventional Care

For optimal results, complementary approaches should be discussed with your healthcare team and integrated with conventional medical treatment. This integrated approach ensures safety and maximises potential benefits.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any complementary approaches, as some may interact with conventional treatments.