Identification of Prostate Cancer Genes

Study Summary

This study will identify genes that predispose men to prostate cancer and affect the rate and type of disease spread, the aggressiveness of the disease, and the long-term outcome. Several studies show there is a genetic component to prostate cancer susceptibility, and that a first-degree relative with prostate cancer increases a man's risk 2- to 3-fold compared to those without a family history. The risk is significantly higher if the relative was diagnosed at younger than 65 years of age, or if three or more first-degree relatives are affected. The study will try to locate prostate cancer genes in DNA samples using two methods: linkage analysis and association studies. Traditionally, the search for a disease gene begins with linkage analysis, in which the aim is to find the rough location of the gene relative to another DNA sequence, called a "genetic marker," whose position is already known. In genetic association studies, genes from a large number of patients are compared with healthy controls who are matched by age, race, and geographic region. DNA samples for this study come from patients in the two following studies at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington: Family study: Participants are families with prostate cancer who have: 1) three or more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer; 2) three generations with prostrate cancer either through the maternal or paternal side of the family; or 3) two first-degree relatives with prostate cancer diagnosed before age 65 or who were African American. Population-based study: Participants are patients with prostate cancer and matched healthy control subjects. The identification of prostate cancer genes important in susceptibility to the disease and its aggressiveness may permit earlier detection and development of more directed and effective treatments based on underlying genetics.