Opaldia - Issue 2, Story 1

New research has uncovered ten genes that affect a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. The scientists hope that the discoveries will form the basis of a test that will predict men's chances of developing prostate cancer, as well as providing potential targets for drug development.

The three teams - based in Britain, America and Iceland - compared the genetic make-up of men with prostate cancer to that of healthy men, looking for versions of particular genes associated with the disease. Two of their finds are particularly exciting: a gene called MSMB that is potentially useful in screening tests; and another called LMTK2, which is an excellent target for treatment.

The efforts of prostate cancer researchers are finally paying off after decades of frustration. Findings reported last year uncovered seven genes affecting prostate cancer risk. The latest work, published in the journal Nature Genetics, brings the total number of genes thought to be involved to 18.

‘We are entering an era of very exciting medicine. This kind of genetic medicine will definitely happen and I definitely think it will deliver," said Dr Rosalind Eeles, of the Institute for Cancer Research in Sutton, Surrey, lead author of one of the studies.

Icelandic company DeCode genetics, which uncovered two of the most recently discovered variants, has already begun offering a test based on eight of the markers for £250. Critics suggest, however, that this is far from an exhaustive screen, and that the marketing of such tests to the public is premature.

Sources:
Risk loci, biological candidates and biomarkersNature Genetics 40, 257 (2008)http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v40/n3/full/ng0308-257.html

Genetic test in three years to detect prostate cancer
The Guardian
11/2/08
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/feb/11/cancer.genetics/print