Five Distinct Types of Prostate Cancer Found

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Five Distinct Types of Prostate Cancer Found

Scientists have identified five types of prostate cancer, each with a distinct genetic signature.  The importance of this information is that different types of prostate cancer respond in different ways, including some types that are aggressive and need an immediate and harsh response and other types that can be watched with only a small need for intervention.


And by comparing 250 samples removed in surgery with the patients’ subsequent progress, they have identified some types that are more likely to recur.


Until now, there has been no reliable way to know which patients have the more aggressive cancers requiring the most urgent and intensive therapy.


But much larger trials are still needed to be certain of these early results.


Spreading aggressively


Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK men, with 41,700 cases diagnosed each year.


Prof Malcolm Mason, of Cancer Research UK, which conducted the research with Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, said some of the types were like a pussycat – growing slowly and causing few problems, while others were like a tiger – growing and spreading aggressively.


And researcher Dr Alastair Lamb said it could be possible to combine this genetic information with existing tests to identify patients most at risk.


He said: “These findings could help doctors decide on the best course of treatment for each individual patient, based on the characteristics of their tumour.

Dr Iain Frame, of Prostate Cancer UK, said: “For men to truly benefit from these findings it is now vital that the research community comes together to confirm the most efficient methods for testing for different types of prostate cancer that can be bought to the clinic. “

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