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CANCER & TREATMENTS SUPPORT & SURVIVORSHIP PREVENTION & RISK ASSESSMENT CLINICAL TRIALS & RESEARCH LIVING WITH CANCER | |
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Home > Prevention & Risk Assessment > Genetics > Prostate Cancer Genetics Project Newsletter 2002WELCOME to the Prostate Cancer Genetics Project (PCGP). The PCGP was founded at the University of Michigan in 1995 with the goal of characterizing the molecular basis for inherited forms of prostate cancer. The data and samples so generously donated by families such as yours serve as the foundation for our work. Currently, our database contains family history information from over 1,000 men with prostate cancer. One aspect of our research of which we are particularly proud is the inclusion of a significant number of African American families in the PCGP. African American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world, and the reason for this is not well understood. We hope that our research may someday help to explain why some men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Inclusion of men from a variety of different racial and ethnic backgrounds will help us reach this goal. Determining the gene(s) that contribute to prostate cancer susceptibility is a very complex process. Our laboratory has undertaken several different types of studies to locate and characterize some of the genes that might be important contributors to the disease. Some of these studies involve testing blood samples and others focus on prostate tumor samples. We have also participated in several studies sponsored by the International Consortium of Prostate Cancer Genetics (ICPCG), of which the PCGP is a member. To date there have been six regions of the genome that are thought to harbor prostate cancer susceptibility genes including regions on chromosomes 1, 20 and X. At least one gene, HPC2/ELAC2 on chromosome 17p, has been directly analyzed by several groups. While these studies have revealed many interesting results, no direct impact on clinical medicine has yet been realized. However, it is hoped that through the continued significant advancements in the field of genetics and the increasing collaboration among scientists, efforts to locate the gene(s) responsible for prostate cancer will soon be rewarded. Together, we hope to help future generations in effectively combating this disease through advancement of knowledge about the genes involved in prostate cancer susceptibility.
Kathleen A. Cooney, M.D. |
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Welcome is published by the Prostate Cancer Genetics Project
7310 CCGC, 1500 East Medical Center Drive
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center |
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