Scientists today hailed a breakthrough in distinguishing between potentially deadly prostate cancer tumours and those which may never cause serious harm.
The discovery could unlock one of the biggest conundrums in the treatment of prostate cancer — whether to operate, risking damaging side-effects, or just monitor the tumour.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK men, with 41,000 diagnosed each year and 10,700 dying.
Today’s discovery, by Cancer Research UK scientists at Cambridge University, could help patients to decide whether to undergo a prostatectomy, which carries with it risks of causing incontinence, impotence and infertility. Those reportedly opting for surgery include actor Robert de Niro and comedian Billy Connolly.
The study, published in the journal Oncogene, found that higher levels of a particular protein cause prostate cancer cells to behave more aggressively, making them more likely to move and invade healthy tissue surrounding the tumour.
Lead author Dr Hayley Whitaker said: “This is early research, but if clinical trials confirm our results then it could help clinicians to tell which patients have a more aggressive tumour and need proportionally aggressive treatment, while sparing patients with low-grade tumours unnecessary radiotherapy or surgery.
“This is an important step along the path to developing a much sought-after test that could distinguish between different types of prostate cancer.”
The research was carried out on more than 250 patients.
Professor Malcolm Mason, Cancer Research UK’s prostate cancer expert, said: “I have been waiting for years for a test that can define the aggressive disease. I hope that this research brings forward the day when I can say to patients: ‘We know that your cancer doesn’t need treatment’.”
