Genetic prostate cancer screening breakthrough

Study suggests procedure could detect undiagnosed cases of the disease

Genetic screening for prostate cancer at doctors’ surgeries could detect undiagnosed cases of the disease in apparently healthy men, a study suggests.

New prostate cancers were identified in more than a third of participants who were found to have the highest levels of inherited risk, the pilot research showed.

The small study shows population screening is safe and feasible, those behind the research carried out by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust alongside GPs said.

One of the participants described it as “quite remarkable” how cancer the size of a grain of sand had been detected in his case.

Scientists said a larger study involving some 5,000 patients is ready to be launched, aimed at conclusively showing that population genetic screening for prostate cancer can improve diagnosis and therefore save lives.

All 307 men aged 55-69 who were invited to take part in the screening pilot were given risk scores based on genetic changes that can influence the chances of developing prostate cancer.

Eighteen of the 26 people found to be in the top 10% of risk accepted an invitation to be screened, undergoing an MRI scan and a biopsy.

Seven of the 18, who had all been considered healthy, were diagnosed with prostate cancer, researchers said.

One of them, Remy Smits, said the detection of such a tiny presence of cancer had surprised him, but he was relieved it was found early.

The 59-year-old said: “Whilst the realisation that I have cancer came as a shock, I feel better knowing that it has been identified at a very early stage.

“I also feel that I am now in a much better position to make an informed decision about any future treatment options. I also like the fact that being part of this trial will make a difference for many men in the future.”

Professor Paul Workman, chief executive of the ICR, said: “This is an exciting early pilot study which for the first time in the UK demonstrates that genetic screening for prostate cancer is safe, feasible and potentially effective.

“It’s great to see that this research is now progressing into a larger-scale pilot, which if successful could show the potential of genetic screening to be a lifesaver.”

Professor David Cunningham, director of clinical research at The Royal Marsden, said: “Using genetic screening for men most at risk for prostate cancer will mean we have a much greater chance of being able to treat the disease successfully at an earlier stage, often with less invasive procedures and fewer long-term side effects.”

The study was funded by the European Research Council, Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health Research.

Pope Francis celebrated a Pentecost Mass in St Peter’s Basilica yesterday, albeit without members of the public in attendance. He then retired to his studio window to recite his blessing at noon to the crowds below. The Vatican said police would ensure the faithful gathered in the piazza kept an appropriate distance apart.