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Funded Research 1998 -
Genetic predisposition to prostate cancer/Gene & Environment Interaction Study
Dr Ros A Eeles, The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden, Sutton, Surrey, England
Dr Ros Eeles and the team at the Institute of Cancer Research
Despite the fact that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men, we still do not know what causes it in most cases. This is the remit of the PCRF gene/environment interaction study. There is evidence from clustering of prostate cancer cases in some families that some cases may be caused by genetic factors. Genes make up the blueprint of life; their normal code controls the working of the body. When the code is altered, then a cancer may develop.
However it is also likely that the environment causes the disease in some cases. It is very probable that a combination of these factors - our genetic make up and also our exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment, is the cause of prostate cancer. This is the basis of the PCRF study. This study is a large effort between scientists (led by Dr Ros Eeles) at the Institute of Cancer Research in collaboration with two experts in occupational and diet risk factors (Drs Ken Muir and Tim Key from the Universities of Nottingham and Oxford) The study data are analysed by one of the country's leading experts in this field, Dr Doug Easton from the University of Cambridge . These experts are working together to try to determine the cause of prostate cancer. Ros Eeles has also enlisted the help of over 200 urologists all over the country who are asking patients if they would like to be involved with this project. This is therefore very much a joint effort between the patients and their doctors and the researchers.
What does the study involve?
Men aged less than 60 years at prostate cancer diagnosis are asked to complete a questionnaire about their lifestyle to capture data about their ‘ENVIRONMENT' and then to give a blood sample for analysis of their ‘GENETIC MAKEUP' (this is not a genetic test and so paticipating in the study has no insurance implications). This data will then be combined to look at the interaction of genes and environment.
How will this study help men with prostate cancer and their families?
If we can identify the cause of prostate cancer, then we can
- develop prevention agents
- identify those at higher risk of the disease to target those who will benefit most from screening
- design new drugs to treat prostate cancer by finding out what happens when these genes go wrong
Have we found anything so far?
The study has already found the first high-risk prostate cancer gene. One in fifty men diagnosed with prostate cancer at young age (less than 55 years) have an alteration in one of the breast cancer genes. Some families have already been offered genetic testing and targeted screening. This discovery has already saved one man's life.
Project commenced
1998
Length of project
7 years
Amount Supported
£512,135.98
