New Gene Variants Identified for Prostate Cancer

Recently, an international team of scientists has identified a significant number of new genetic variants that are linked to an increased risk of getting prostate cancer. With these 23 newfound gene variants, the total number of common gene variants linked to prostate cancer is now at 100. Ros Eeles, a professor or oncogenetics at The Institute of Cancer Research in London, elaborated by announcing "We know that there are a few major genes that are rare and significantly affect prostate cancer risk, but what we are now learning is that there are many other common genetic variants that individually have only a small effect on risk, but collectively can be very important."

Now, a clinical trial to find out whether testing for genetic variants in men can successfully pick up the disease early and help direct targeted interventions for patients will shortly be conducted. After studying over 87,000 men of European, African, Japanese and Latino heritage, the team of scientists found 16 new genetic indicators associated with prostate cancer risk in European men. Additionally, they identified 7 genetic indicators in men of mixed heritage. To this end, the researchers feel that they can now explain 33 percent of the inherited origins in European men.

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Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate if these findings can improve on prostate cancer screening test, particularly if genetic testing can help diagnose more men at risk for aggressive forms of the cancer. Dr. Matthew Hobbs, deputy director of research at Prostate Cancer UK said in a news release “The results of this study could take us a step closer to targeted screening by allowing us to identify those most at risk of the disease based on the genes that they possess.”

Identifying these new genetic variants is a huge step forward in finding a treatment or even a cure for prostate cancer. Hopefully, with this newfound more researchers and scientists will get involved and use the information to further their knowledge of this cancer. Overall, it is great to see that we are advancing in areas that can allow people with this cancer to identify it earlier on and try to treat it before it becomes too aggressive.

Article Link: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2014/09/15/new-gene-variants-for-prostate-cancer-identified