Hereditary Transmission Similar to Breast Cancer Identified in Prostate Cancers

New research identified inherited mutations in DNA repair genes “BRCA2, ATM and CHEK2” in advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer. Found in approximately %12 of patients, these genes are familiar causes of inherited susceptibility in breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.

Published in the respected New Englan Jornal of Medicine, the study screened 692 patients for mutations in 16 repair genes, finding DNA repair mutations in 82 (%11.8). Normal, unmutated DNA repair genes repair cellular genetic damage and prevent cancer development. Mutations, however, cause a high lifetime cancer risk. A separate early-stage prostate cancer study found a mutation rate around %4. However, in this study of stage 4., metastatic patients, repair gene mutations were almost 3 times as frequent as in early-stage prostate cancer.

This knowledge will advance understanding and treatment of a prostate cancer subgroup. It will also guide new surveillance and early detection approaches for patients and relatives with identified inherited susceptibility. Of 72 patients in this study, 51 (%71) had first-degree relatives with cancer, significantly more than in the noncarrier group.

In ovarian cancer arising from DNA repair mutations, PARP inhibitor drugs, which block its activity, have been effective. Platinum chemotherapy has also been highly effective in breast cancer with similar mutations. Similar drugs may offer hope in this prostate cancer type.

This important discovery will clearly contribute substantially for our patients. We will follow developments closely.