Predicting prostate cancer outcome

Cancer develops and progresses as a result of genetic changes that alter the behaviour of the cells. At present it is difficult to accurately predict the outcome of each cancer. By knowing the genetic changes and their effect on the behaviour of the cancer, we hope to predict more accurately what the likely outcome will be and so plan the optimum therapy for each man.

To find markers that predict outcome, we need a large number of samples of prostate cancer from men in whom we already know the outcome of the disease. We have the largest series of prostates removed by surgery (over 1200). We have selected two groups, one with a good outcome and one with a poor outcome. We are comparing these two groups to look for genetic differences that predict for a good or bad outcome. Eventually it may be possible to design the best treatment for each man with prostate cancer, based on our knowledge of the genetic changes.