A new test for prostate cancer identifies men who are six times more likely to develop the disease, according to the results of a study published in the journal Nature Genetics.
The scientists identified 63 new genetic mutations associated with the cancer, which they combined with more than 100 genetic DNA variants already known to lead to the disease. The test could cost around 40 euros, writes the Daily Mail.
One percent of men carry risky genetic variations that put them at a higher risk of disease, according to the study. DNA mutations mainly occur in cells that regulate communication between the immune system and other parts of the body.
Scientists from London's Institute of Cancer Research (ICR - The Institute of Cancer Research) plan to establish whether testing DNA samples from a man's saliva can identify at-risk individuals. For now, men take blood tests that assess a marker, a specific antigen (PSA), whose level rises if cancer appears. The results can give a distorted picture due to intense exercise, urinary infections, smoking and certain medications.
"If we know how likely a man is to get prostate cancer, our next step is to see if we can use that information to prevent the disease," says Professor Ross Elles of the ICR.
Prostate cancer has recently overtaken breast cancer in terms of mortality. It usually develops very slowly, and for many years there does not have to be any symptoms for a man to have it. If it is diagnosed at a later stage, when it has already spread, it becomes terminal. Patients who have a positive result undergo a biopsy, which also does not represent complete proof, Telegram reports.
Doctors are struggling to distinguish whether it is an aggressive tumor or a less serious one. It is also difficult to decide on the method of treatment. Scientists do not know what causes prostate cancer, but age, obesity and lack of exercise are known risks, reports Nezavisne.
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