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Scientists develop improved prostate cancer predicator

31/01/2008

Scientists have developed an improved way of predicting the progression of prostate cancer, a new report claims today.

Researchers from the University of Texas say their new model gives a more accurate way of predicting the virulence of cancer.

They combined the Gleason score, a pathological score given to prostate cancer based on its microscopic appearance, with structured data from biomarker assessments.

The biomarkers evaluated comprised well-characterised cell cycle and cell death regulators known to be variably expressed by prostate cancers.

The scientists found significant differences in the molecular signatures among the varying grades of tumour.

They were then able to develop a biostatistical model using molecular markers to more accurately predict the risk of prostate cancer progression.

"We believe these findings will be of potential benefit to a substantial portion of the patient population diagnosed with early prostate cancer by providing valuable information regarding the risk of disease progression," said Dr Timothy McDonnell.

"With this type of information patients could be more appropriately managed based on their individual risk profile."

The findings are published in the journal BMC Medical Genomics.

About 35,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year.