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Molecular urine test detected aggressive prostate cancer
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2009 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium
Results from a prospective study have shown that a prototype molecular urine test accurately detected the fusion of two genes that are associated with more aggressive disease.
The T2:ERG test developed by Gen-Probe Inc. looks for the fusion of the genes TMPRSS2 and ERG in urine. Jack Groskopf, PhD, director of research and development for the company’s cancer diagnostics division, discussed the test during a press conference in advance of the 2009 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.
Researchers prospectively analyzed TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion levels in the urine samples of 556 men scheduled for prostate biopsy after having a digital rectal exam. Biopsy discovered cancer in 41% of the men.
The urine test predicted cancer at biopsy with 85% specificity compared with 27% specificity for PSA. Urine T2:ERG levels also correlated with several indicators of cancer aggressiveness, including Gleason score and the number of positive biopsy cores.
“Because the prevalence of the gene fusion is approximately 50%, the fact that we’re seeing the fusion [of TMPRSS2:ERG] in 42% of the biopsy positives argues that we’re doing well in terms of sensitivity,” Groskopf added. – by Jason Harris
If, in fact, this gene fusion is related to the progression and development of prostate cancer in half of all men who develop prostate cancer that has major implications for diagnosis, but hopefully therapy as well. This unique fusion protein might become a therapeutic target at some point in the future. This is clearly an important first step and it’s an amazingly short interval from the basic fundamental discovery to potential clinical utility as a diagnostic test.
– Howard M. Sandler, MD
Chair of Radiation Oncology
Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, Los Angeles
For more information:
- Groskopf J. Feasibility and clinical utility of a TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion urine test. Presented at: the 2009 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium; February 26-28, 2009; Orlando.