Prostate cancer gene

Researchers at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) have identified a gene that appears to be important in the development of prostate cancer.

The findings published in Nature Genetics indicate that the gene known as EphB2 plays a role in regulating and maintaining normal tissue organization and is inactivated in prostate cancer.

According to Spyro Mousses, the lead author, "This finding provides critical insight into the factors that cause prostate cancer, which can be used for development of additional diagnostics and therapeutics for prostate cancer. Much additional research is warranted to determine the extent of its involvement in prostate cancer and other cancers as well."

"These findings represent a significant advancement in prostate cancer research, as the number of current treatment options for advanced prostate cancer remains limited," Dr. John Carpten, Senior Investigator at Tgen added.

"The discovery of mutations in this gene allows us the opportunity to explore a new path towards treating a significant number of men with advanced prostate cancer. As TGen's mission is to translate laboratory findings into the clinic, we hope to use this information to ultimately help provide prostate cancer patients more treatment options and a better quality of life," Carpten further said.