Germline mutations and mismatch repair genes implicated in prostate cancer

A recent study revealed evidence on the genetic basis of prostate cancer (PCa) predisposition and the importance of germline genetic testing for patients with a positive family history of PCa or men with high-risk or metastatic disease. A systemic review was conducted and the results of this study were published in the journal, Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases.

From the year 2000 to 2022, a systematic search was conducted on web databases. This study included 50 articles and analyzed the recent evidence for the genetic predisposition of prostate cancer as well as the clinical implications for personalized medicine and therapeutic management of prostate cancer.

The data showed that homologous recombination germline mutation genes like BRCA1/2, ATM, CHECK2, and mismatch repair genes like MLH1, MLH2, MSH6, and others were implicated in the development and severity of prostate cancer. Thus, the evidence suggests the importance of germline testing and genetic counseling for patients affected by PCa. In patients with metastatic PCa, these genetic alterations will also aid as biomarkers in predicting response to specific therapy such as PARP inhibitors.

Hence, precision medicine would be a better-suited treatment plan, developed according to the patient’s germline mutation status.

References:

• Marino, F., Totaro, A., Gandi, C., et al. (2022). Germline mutations in prostate cancer: a systematic review of the evidence for personalized medicine. Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36434163/