Prostate cancer gene find

British scientists have identified a gene that plays a crucial role in prostate cancer, which could lead to a test to detect the most aggressive tumours.

Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research and the University of Liverpool found that a gene called E2F3 is overactive in prostate cancer tumours.

"A test to distinguish between aggressive tumours, the tigers, and those that are pussycats has been the holy grail of prostate cancer research," Professor Colin Cooper, of the institute, said yesterday.

"Now we know that the E2F3 gene is implicated in prostate cancer and that it is key in determining how aggressive the cancer is, we hope to be able to develop such a test within the next five years."

Prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers. It accounts for about 200,000 deaths worldwide each year.

The only test for prostate cancer measures PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a protein made by the prostate gland.

A raised PSA level can be a sign of the disease or something less serious.

Professor Cooper and his colleagues, whose findings will be reported in the journal Oncogene, believe the protein produced by the gene is a key to determining how aggressive the cancer is.

An overactive gene means too much protein is produced, which leads to excessive proliferation and the development of a tumour.

In a study comparing healthy and cancerous prostate cells, the scientists found that 67 per cent of the cancerous cells had an indication of the presence of E2F3.

A worse prognosis was linked to a higher level of the protein.

"We now find ourselves in the unique and exciting position of being able to test new early markers of prostate cancer progression, which previously had not been possible," said institute chief executive Professor Peter Rigby.

"A rapid and immediate expansion of our research is required so the scientific advances can be translated into patient benefit without delay."

- REUTERS