Researchers look at new treatment for prostate cancer
By IANSMonday, November 15, 2010
LONDON - A major discovery could pave the way for new treatments in prostate cancer. Researchers have found that male hormones play a key role in promoting a specific genetic change that fuels the growth of tumours.
Their study focused on male sex hormones called androgens and their influence on fusing together genes, according to the journal Cancer Research.
These mutant genes, which have been found in several cancers, form when DNA from different parts of the genetic region of cells merge, reports the Telegraph.
Exposure to androgens can cause genes that are normally far apart to fuse together.
Researchers from the Institute of Cancer at Queen Mary University of London found that androgens promote the fusion of two specific genes which fuel the growth of cancer. They are the genes TMPRSS2 and ERG.
Yong-Jie Lu, who led the research, said: “This is a significant discovery and a major breakthrough into the future prevention of the disease. It could also lead to new treatments.
“If we can learn how to control and manage androgen levels, there is a strong possibility that we may be able to help thousands of men, especially those known to be at high risk from a family history of prostate cancer, from developing the condition altogether.”
Every year, 36,000 men in Britain are diagnosed with prostate cancer while 10,000 die.
