New Tests Might Diagnose, Predict Prostate Cancer

One recent study suggests that a simple urine test could pick out 50 percent of men with prostate cancer. Another study says that combining risk factors for prostate cancer may help predict the likelihood of developing the disease.

First study developed a urine test that can identify particular gene fusions associated with prostate cancer. The gene fusions involve the TMPRSS2 gene and the ERG gene. This particular fusion is found in about 50 percent of men with prostate cancer and can be identified in urine. The urine test also showed that it correlated well with other measures of gauging the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

In the second study, Dutch researchers used PSA readings, a family history of prostate cancer, the size of the prostate, and a previous negative biopsy to create a chart to predict the risk of developing prostate cancer.

According to Dr. Durado Brooks, director of colon and prostate cancer prevention programs at the American Cancer Society, none of these studies will change clinical practice anytime soon.

Discussing the first study, Brooks noted that this gene fusion is only found in half of prostate cancers, so if tests don’t find it, it doesn’t mean prostate cancer isn’t there. The second study is considered interesting, but he cannot see how this is going to alter practice by integrating these risk factors would effect patient treatment.

Both studies were presented Tuesday at the 2009 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in Orlando, Fla., sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and the Society of Urologic Oncology.