Researchers Identify 200 Genes Involved in Prostate Cancer

Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified some 200 genes that appear to be involved in prostate cancer, according to a report on their work in the journal Nature.

The researchers, who conducted their genetic search by testing hundreds of samples of normal and cancerous prostate tissue, said some of the genes identified in the study had previously been linked to prostate cancer but many others had not.

Two genes newly linked to prostate cancer are called hepsin and pim-1, which may turn out to be markers that can be developed into a new prostate-cancer test, according to the researchers. They said the highest levels of hepsin were found in precancerous cells and the lowest levels in benigh tissue.

"This is important, because it is most likely that many genes are involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer -- each controlling a different step in the process," said Dr. Arul Chinnaiyan, director of the University of Michigan study.

Researchers expressed the hope that beyond leading to a new means of detecting prostate cancer, the identification of specific genes might ultimately make it possible to determine whether the cancer is slow growing or a form that spreads quickly -- helping doctors decide how aggressively to treat patients.

Other Sources: Nature, AP