Scientists from MedUni Vienna have made an important discovery that could improve the way aggressive prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated.
Led by Lukas Kenner, the research team found that changes in a specific protein, KMT2C, play a key role in the spread of prostate cancer. Their findings, published in Molecular Cancer, may lead to better tests and treatments for the disease.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. In many cases, it stays within the prostate, making it easier to treat. However, about 20% of cases become metastatic, meaning the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Once this happens, the disease is much harder to treat. Until now, doctors and scientists did not fully understand why only some prostate cancers become aggressive.
The researchers focused on KMT2C, a protein that helps control important cell functions. They discovered that when this protein is altered by genetic mutations, it stops working properly. As a result, another gene called MYC becomes overly active.
MYC is known for making cells divide quickly, which can cause cancer to grow and spread. This means that changes in KMT2C may be a key trigger for turning localized prostate cancer into a more dangerous, metastatic form.
One of the most exciting parts of this discovery is that it could lead to a simple blood test to detect aggressive prostate cancer early. By checking for KMT2C mutations, doctors may be able to predict whether a patient’s cancer is likely to spread, helping them choose the right treatment sooner.
This research also offers hope for better treatments. MYC inhibitors, a type of drug currently being tested in clinical trials, may help slow down or stop aggressive prostate cancer. If further studies confirm these findings, these drugs could become a valuable new option for patients with advanced prostate cancer in the future.
This breakthrough provides a deeper understanding of how prostate cancer progresses. It could lead to earlier detection, more personalized treatments, and better outcomes for patients with aggressive forms of the disease.
With continued research, these findings may change the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated, offering new hope to those affected by this serious illness.
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