New Method for Predicting Prostate Cancer

Cancer-like DNA identified in biopsy tissue can indicate a high risk for prostate cancer, according to a new study published in the April 15, 2003, online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA).

The study found that in about 40% of men older than 50, the DNA of the prostate is damaged. Since the damage closely resembles the damage found in the DNA of prostate cancer, it is believed to indicate a high risk for cancer and can be readily identified in biopsy tissues. The study also showed that damage to prostate DNA increases with age and that free radicals are likely contributing factors.

Additional evidence in the study revealed that the DNA from prostate biopsies could be used to signal when a prostate cancer has begun to metastasize, allowing doctors to reach more fully informed treatment decisions. Prior to this discovery, the only way to determine whether a tumor had metastasized was to identify metastases in other parts of the body. Once a metastatic cancer has spread, interventions are severely compromised.

In obtaining these new findings, researchers used a technique that combined highly sensitive and discriminating Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy with statistical analysis, developed by Dr. Donald C. Malins, of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute in Seattle (WA, USA), who was the lead investigator of the study.

"Most importantly, this finding is particularly promising for determining whether a primary tumor has progressed to the metastatic state and for identifying those patients at high risk for metastasis,” said Dr. Malins.




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Pacific Northwest Research Institute