A groundbreaking study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center has identified an inherited gene mutation that significantly increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. The study, published in JCO Precision Oncology, focused on men with a family history of the disease and uncovered that a mutated form of the gene WNT9B normally involved in embryonic prostate development can lead to a markedly higher risk of adult prostate cancer.
The research team led by Jeffrey Smith, MD, PhD, an associate professor of Medicine in the Division of Genetic Medicine at Vanderbilt, conducted their study across five independent populations. Collectively, these groups included nearly one-half million patients from both the United States and Europe. The mutation in the WNT9B gene was associated with a two- to 12-fold increase in prostate cancer risk across these diverse populations, highlighting the mutation's significant impact.
“Inherited risk of prostate cancer is roughly twice that of breast cancer, but its genetic complexity is also considerably greater; this has been a formidable obstacle for global studies,” Smith explained. He noted that, unlike breast cancer where several high-risk genes have been well established, relatively few genetic markers for high-risk prostate cancer have been identified until now.
The study adds WNT9B to the list of established high-risk prostate cancer genes, which already includes HOXB13, the 8q24 locus, and BRCA2. The risk conferred by the WNT9B mutation is comparable to the risk of breast cancer linked to routinely tested mutations in clinical practice. This discovery has important implications not only for individual patients but also for their families, as identifying pathogenic gene mutations can lead to more personalized treatment options and early interventions.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to investigate whether the presence of an inherited or acquired mutation may alter clinical outcomes. Such insights could further refine treatment approaches, guiding the selection of effective therapies and promoting the development of tailored precision care.
Supported by grants from the Veterans Health Administration, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the National Institutes of Health, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding the genetic underpinnings of prostate cancer. The findings open up new opportunities for early detection and individualized care, promising improved outcomes for patients facing this challenging disease.
References:
1. https://www.medboundtimes.com/medbound-blog/advanced-imaging-uncovers-hidden-metastases-in-high-risk-prostate-cancer-cases
(Newswise/DN)