Prostate cancer patients have been offered hope after scientists at Newcastle University have identified a new group of molecules that could be targeted to slow tumour growth.<\/p>\n
Our findings are very significant for future treatments as they identify a new group of molecules in prostate cancer which could be targeted therapeutically. <\/p>\n
Experts used an advanced screening technique which found hundreds of genes were affected by the male hormone testosterone. It is believed this could lead to new diagnostic tests and treatments.<\/p>\n
Among the 700 genes identified was an important set that add sugar groups \u2013 known as glycans – to the surface of prostate cancer cells. This group has never been investigated before.<\/p>\n
Treatments targeting glycan sugar groups have been developed for other types of the illness, such as breast cancer. It is hoped these treatments could also be used for prostate cancer.<\/p>\n
Results of the research suggest that testosterone changes glycans to make cancer cells more likely to survive, grow and spread to other parts of the body. <\/p>\n
Scientists say there is the potential to target these glycans which could stop the growth and spread of tumours and save lives.<\/p>\n
Dr Jennifer Munkley, Research Associate at the Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, co-led the three-year research project with Professor David Elliott.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cOur findings are very significant for future treatments as they identify a new group of molecules in prostate cancer which could be targeted therapeutically.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow we have identified these glycans we will be able to develop strategies to inhibit them and help patients with this condition.<\/p>\n
Glycans have the potential to be used as part of a diagnostic test to help doctors decide which prostate cancers need treatment.<\/p>\n
One in eight men will be diagnosed with the condition. It is the most common cancer in UK males, and there is a need to identify how the disease progresses and for treatment options to be established.<\/p>\n
Researchers at Newcastle University used a technique, called RNA-sequencing, to identify the new set of genes that are important.<\/p>\n
The genes identified may provide novel ways the disease can be monitored in patients to predict the most aggressive prostate cancers that need to be treated.<\/p>\n
Simon Grieveson, Head of Research Funding at Prostate Cancer UK, said: \u201cThere\u2019s a desperate need for more treatments for men with advanced prostate cancer, who currently have too few options available to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, in order to develop new, effective treatments, we need to understand more about the genetic makeup of aggressive prostate cancers and identify what makes them tick.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis promising research has unearthed a new group of genes which could play a part in cancer cell survival and development, and could pave the way for new treatments in the future.<\/p>\n
Newcastle University\nwww.ncl.ac.uk\/press\/news\/2016\/07\/prostatecancerstudy\/<\/link>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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