The authors of an international study developed a new criterion for measuring prostate cancer risk. The score is used to analyze the genetic factors that could lead to an aggressive form of the tumor. In this way it would be possible to optimize the treatments and act immediately aggressively, if necessary.

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed type of male cancer in developed countries. It is estimated to cause over 300,000 deaths worldwide each year. The new cases are about 1 million every year. A real emergency, to be addressed accordingly also with specific genetic tests.

Screening to calculate the specific prostate antigen (PSA) facilitates early diagnosis. However, it is frequent that completely healthy people still present high levels of PSA. In addition, there is always the danger of overly aggressive treatments on people with a mild tumor. The best thing would then be to identify in advance who risks developing a severe form of prostate cancer.

The PRACTICAL consortium developed a specific genetic test for prostate cancer. Researchers have also developed a tool to measure the risk of developing the aggressive form of the tumor. In this way it would be easier to provide each patient with the right treatment for his condition.

The researchers analyzed over 200,000 genetic variants from 31,747 European men. They identified 54 variations related to a higher risk of cancer. They then incorporated them into an analysis of the age of the subjects and their lifestyle. They thus obtained a new criterion for data analysis, applied to 6,411 men.

According to the test performed, the genetic test and the analysis would give very reliable results. If confirmed, we would have a valuable tool to develop more effective and specific treatments.

Source: medicalxpress.com