Researchers find why some specific prostate cancers develop fast

During their research the scientists found three types of tumors that had mutations ten times more than compared to some more advanced stages of prostate cancers.

The study
The lead author of the study, Dr. Peter Nelson said, “We don’t know the cause of these hyper-mutated tumours, but the frequency of the mutations suggests these tumors might evolve very rapidly to develop resistance to therapies.”

Study conducted at the University of Washington analysed the collected tumour samples cultivated in immune-deficient mice. Both cancers, the spreading and non-spreading types were studied.

The researchers focused primarily on the exome comprising of one percent of the genetic structure responsible for the protein design 'software'. This is the segment where the majority of cancer causing mutation develops. The study involved identification of mutated genes. These included the one known as p53 which is a tumor-suppressant protein.

In the study the scientists explained, “By sequencing the exomes of 23 tumors representing a spectrum of aggressive advanced prostate cancer, we identified a large number of previously unrecognized gene coding variants with the potential to influence tumor behavior.”

Study could be useful in treatment
Dr. Nelson, member of the Hutchinson Centers Human Biology Division said that until now such tumours' genetic structure had remained obscure and that the understanding of the genetic links to prostate cancer could administer precise treatment.

The study shall provide vital clues to scientists in understanding the more lethal forms of prostate cancers. The findings could also be used in developing screening tests which can detect the cancer at an early stage and also in the development of drugs that can inhibit the cancer growth.

The findings of the study were reported in the early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.