An international research team led by scientists from the Center for Genetic Epidemiology of the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center identified mutations in eleven genes associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
This is the largest-scale study of prostate cancer ever conducted and involves the investigation of exons, that is, the basic parts of the genetic code that contain the instructions for the production of proteins. The scientists analyzed blood samples from about 17.500 patients of European descent with prostate cancer, of whom 9.185 had aggressive disease and 8.361 did not, and compared the frequency of mutations between the two groups.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Oncology, revealed mutations associated with a higher risk of more aggressive and deadly prostate cancer that are not currently included in genetic testing charts. They also found that some genes that are currently part of such genetic tests are not associated with risk for aggressive disease.
"The results aren't entirely definitive, but it's clear that more work needs to be done to determine which genes oncologists should focus on testing," said Keck School of Medicine Professor of Public Health Christopher Hyman, one of the authors. of studying.
Some mutations found in the study also appeared in some patients who did not have aggressive disease. "This suggests that mutations in these people may put them at greater risk of their cancer becoming more advanced later. While screening focuses on men with advanced disease or a family history, finding patients with less advanced disease who carry these genetic variants may allow them to receive targeted forms of treatment earlier,” explains Mr Hyman.
The researchers note that the research results could improve treatment and change the way the risk of aggressive disease is determined.
Source: RES-EAP