They identified 451 genetic variants associated with prostate cancer

Scientific progress in the field of cancer is occurring rapidly based on the new possibilities opened by the study of cancer. Genetic maps. Now, a team of researchers has compiled the most comprehensive list of Genetic variants associated with prostate cancer risk, 451 in totalwhich will enhance early detection and better informed medical decision-making.

the study, Which was just published in Nature genetics, and is based on 2021 research documented in the same journal that found 269 genetic variants associated with the risk of this condition, based on a sample of approximately 235,000 men. The new results were obtained from genetic information of approx 950,000 men.

The work, which includes an overrepresentation of individuals from different racial and ethnic groups, is behind researchers from several centers at the University of Southern California (USC) and the London Institute of Cancer Research.

The analysis combines data from almost all studies to date examined DNA looking for Associated genetic variants To the risk of prostate cancer.

This is the disease that Health disparities between racial and ethnic groups: The risk of developing it is about 75% higher, and it is twice as dangerous among blacks as whites, explains the University of Southern California on its website.

However, Caucasians are often overrepresented as research participants, making these differences difficult to understand and ultimately address.

This new study improves the system for measuring genetic risk, making it more efficient at predicting who may or may not get prostate cancer, and even distinguishing between… Possibility of aggressive situations It is less serious among men of African descent.

In this sense, scientists found that higher risk scores based on 451 variables are associated with more aggressive disease in men of African descent.

to Christopher Heymanfrom the University of Southern California, “We will not learn everything there is to know about the genetics of prostate cancer by studying only white men.”

In addition, this research could lay the foundation for identifying people most at risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer and allowing early detection through early and frequent testing.

Given that many cases of prostate cancer diagnosed today may never put their carriers at risk — leading to unnecessary treatments that can deteriorate quality of life — distinguishing between the risk of suffering from aggressive disease is key, the authors stress.

“We will continue to improve this Degree of risk And the search for markers that help distinguish between aggressive diseases and less aggressive diseases – says Hyman, who points out, however – that clinical trials will be needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this finding in helping doctors and patients make decisions.

The US Veterans Health Administration’s Million Veterans Program and Argonne National Laboratory have proven to be key partners in including diverse populations in the study. Putting it all together will require a team effort of 300 researchers from more than 100 institutions, in 26 countries, from Barbados to Bulgaria, Nigeria to the Netherlands, and Japan to Ghana. “This shows what happens when the global research community comes together to achieve improvements for all,” Heymann concluded. The fact that everyone was willing to cooperate was crucial.