Genetic marker linked with prostate cancer

EVANSTON, Ill., May 21 (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists have linked a recently identified genetic marker with a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Northwestern University researchers said their finding will aid the development of a simple blood test to predict who is susceptible to the aggressive cancer. Also, knowing which patients carry the genetic marker will guide physicians in determining their treatment plans.

The Northwestern researchers found prostate cancer patients who carry the genetic marker -- called 8q24 -- are 40 percent more likely to have a close family member with prostate cancer. In contrast, patients without the marker have a 20 percent chance.

At least 30 percent of African-American men with prostate cancer carry the genetic marker, compared with about 15 percent of men of European ancestry. Men who carry the genetic marker have a 60 percent increase in risk of the disease.

The study's co-principal investigator, Dr. Brian Helfand of Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, presented the research Sunday in Anaheim, Calif., during the annual meeting of the American Urological Association.