 |
| YouTube courtesy Princess Margaret Cancer Centre University of Toronto |
The researchers developed the genetic test with two groups of patients. In the first group, the team analyzed DNA from initial diagnostic biopsies of 126 men who were treated with image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and followed for an average 7.8 years.
In the second group, the team used the test on 150 men whose tumors were removed surgically (radical prostatectomy).
In the second group, the team used the test on 150 men whose tumors were removed surgically (radical prostatectomy).
The study showed that only 7 percent of the men who had low levels of genetic changes and low hypoxia experienced recurrence of prostate cancer at five years. Men with high levels of genetic changes and high hypoxia, had worse outcomes with more than 50 percent of them experiencing recurrence.
The test analyzes biopsy tissue taken before treatment even starts to identify abnormal DNA of the prostate cancer and its oxygen content. Low oxygen, or hypoxia, is a known factor in the spread of prostate cancer. Together, this genetic and oxygen test can predict recurrence with almost 80 percent accuracy. The test results take about three days.
The researchers say the gene test provides a much-needed quick and accurate tool to determine with greater precision the men who will do well with local treatment only (surgery or radiation), and those who will need extra treatment (chemotherapy and hormone therapy) to ensure the cancer is completely eradicated. The findings are published online today in Lancet Oncology.
No comments:
Post a Comment