New Aggressive Form of Hereditary Prostate Cancer Discovered
Summary
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have discovered a rare inherited mutation in a gene called CDK12 linked to an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Men with this mutation tend to develop advanced metastatic cancer by the time they are diagnosed, which highlights the need for earlier genetic testing and screening.Key Facts
- The CDK12 gene mutation is a newly identified hereditary cause of aggressive prostate cancer.
- Researchers studied over 4,500 men with aggressive prostate cancer and found 5 unrelated men with inherited CDK12 mutations.
- All men with the mutation had metastatic prostate cancer diagnosed between ages 44 and 62.
- About 5-10% of cancers are caused by inherited mutations passed down in families.
- Before this study, CDK12 mutations were thought to occur only in tumor cells and not be inherited.
- The study involved international collaboration, including institutions in Canada, the US, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium.
- Identifying this mutation early could help at-risk families receive better and earlier screening.
- The mutation is very rare, found in roughly 1 in every 1,000 men with aggressive prostate cancer, but can help save lives for those affected.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
