New gene test devised to predict severity of prostate cancer

A new means of predicting the severity and risk of recurrence of prostate cancer has been devised by UK-based researchers.

Cancer Research UK-funded trials have been conducted at Queen Mary, University of London into cell cycle progression (CCP) genes and their effects on prostate cancer tumours.

It was found that men with high levels of CCP genes are three times more likely to have a fatal form of the cancer than those with the lowest levels, while high CCP activity was also linked with the chance of recurrence after surgery.

The researchers believe this testing mechanism could be used to evaluate how urgently treatment is needed among individual patients, which could help thousands to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "This test isn't yet available for routine use, but we'll look forward to seeing the results of large clinical trials that will tell us whether it'll be useful for all men with prostate cancer."

According to data from the charity, prostate cancer is now the most common cancer among UK males, not counting non-melanoma skin cancer.