TMPRSS2-ERG Fusion Prostate Cancer Prevalence Linked To PSA Density And Histologic Features In Multicenter US Prostate Biopsy Cohort

Main Category: Prostate / Prostate Cancer
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 01 Jul 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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ORLANDO, FL (UroToday.com) - In a certain proportion of prostate cancers, the prostate-specific androgen-regulated gene TMPRSS2 is fused with the gene for the transcription factor ERG. This gene fusion product may have prognostic significance in men with the CaP; however, the exact prevalence of the genetic abnormality is debated. For instance presence of the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion product was reported to be 36-54% in prostatectomy series, but was seen in only 15% of patients who participated in the Swedish watchful-waiting trial.

Mosquera and colleagues report the first study evaluating presence of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in a cohort of men undergoing prostate biopsy. The authors, in a prospective fashion, assessed presence of this gene fusion in prostate needle biopsy specimens of 134 men from one of 5 clinical sites in Michigan or Massachusetts. Representative slides from each biopsy specimen were assessed for TMPRSS2-ERG status by FISH. Prevalence of the fusion product in CaP biopsy cores was 46% -- a fraction very similar to that seen in prostatectomy specimens reported by other groups. Also, as previously reported, none of the benign cores demonstrated the abnormality.

Ian Thompson, MD - the moderator of this podium session -- suggested that the investigators now test prostatectomy specimens of men in this study for TMPRSS2-ERG status.

Presented by Juan Miguel Mosquera, MD, et al., at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) - May 17 - 22, 2008. Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, Florida, USA.

Reported by UroToday.com Contributing Editor Alexander Kutikov, MD

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