Genetic predisposition to prostate cancer: Update and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Prostate cancer is a prevalent malignancy globally, affecting over 250,000 men annually.
• This cancer exhibits significant clinical and molecular heterogeneity.
• Heritable factors contribute substantially, exceeding 50% of prostate cancer incidence, unlike many other cancers where environmental influences dominate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on prostate cancer risk variants, encompassing both rare and common genetic variations.
• To discuss the clinical implications of identified genetic variants for patient management.
• To highlight the importance of genetic predisposition in prostate cancer etiology.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of prostate cancer susceptibility genes.
• Inclusion of studies examining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and Copy Number Variants (CNVs).
• Analysis of family-based and case-control studies using array-based and sequencing technologies.

Main Results:

• Numerous genetic variants, including SNPs and CNVs, have been identified as risk factors for prostate cancer.
• A key challenge remains identifying variants linked to aggressive or lethal forms of the disease.
• Understanding the role of these genetic variants in disease progression is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Future prostate cancer risk prediction models will likely integrate multiple genetic risk loci.
• Personalized risk assessment may incorporate an individual's ethnic background.
• Genetic insights are pivotal for advancing prostate cancer patient care and risk stratification.