Gene signature that predicts prostate cancer survival discovered

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a gene signature that predicts prostate cancer survival.

According to new research published in the October issue of The Lancet Oncology, the six-gene signature can be used in a test to predict survival in men with aggressive prostate cancer.

Research team leader Dr William Oh, chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology of The Tisch Cancer Institute at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, stated there is an "urgent need" for predictive models that can help doctors assess how aggressive prostrate cancer is.

He said: "Our six-gene model, delivered in a simple blood test, will allow clinicians to better determine the course of action for their patients, determine clinical trial eligibility and lead to more targeted studies in late-stage disease."

Dr Oh's study comes shortly after a study conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology showed exactly how cancer cells can break free of tumours.

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