Two important studies came out in January that should change how we think about genes in relation to the risk of getting prostate cancer or the course of the disease.

It's always important to put this sort of information into context, though.  Most genetic markers do not, for example, have effective diagnostic tests that could be used in a clinical setting. 

Of course, we have to identify the markers first before we can develop practical tests.  So these studies represent highly significant steps forward.

In this story, we provide you with links to the original research, the summary statement by the Prostate Cancer Charity and other relevant links to background information

A defect in the PTEN gene defect may predict poor outcome in prostate cancer

• Comment from The Prostate Cancer Charity
• Reid AH, Attard G, et al.  Molecular characterisation of ERG, ETV1 and PTEN gene loci identifies patients at low and high risk of death from prostate cancer.  British Journal of Cancer, 2010 Jan 26.

A genetic marker for aggressive prostate cancer

This genetic marker may allow doctors to tell whether a person is likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer.  This, in turn, would allow them to target treatment for these men at an earlier stage.

• Comment from The Prostate Cancer Charity
• Xu J, Zheng SL, et al. Inherited genetic variant predisposes to aggressive but not indolent prostate cancer.  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Jan 11, 2010.

Background information on UK Prostate link

Our website can help you understand the background to these stories by signposting good quality content about these topics:

• Genetic and familial aspects of prostate cancer risk
• Research into new diagnostic tests for prostate cancer or to predict the course of the disease