TMPRSS2-ERG Fusion Prostate Cancer Prevalence Linked To PSA Density And Histologic Features In Multicenter US Prostate Biopsy Cohort

ORLANDO, FL (UroToday.com) - In a certain proportion of prostate cancers, the prostate-specific androgen-regulated gene TMPRSS2 is fused with the gene for the transcription factor ERG.This gene fusion product may have prognostic significance in men with the CaP; however, the exact prevalence of the genetic abnormality is debated.

For instance presence of the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion product was reported to be 36-54% in prostatectomy series, but was seen in only 15% of patients who participated in the Swedish watchful-waiting trial.

Mosquera and colleagues report the first study evaluating presence of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in a cohort of men undergoing prostate biopsy. The authors, in a prospective fashion, assessed presence of this gene fusion in prostate needle biopsy specimens of 134 men from one of 5 clinical sites in Michigan or Massachusetts. Representative slides from each biopsy specimen were assessed for TMPRSS2-ERG status by FISH. Prevalence of the fusion product in CaP biopsy cores was 46% — a fraction very similar to that seen in prostatectomy specimens reported by other groups. Also, as previously reported, none of the benign cores demonstrated the abnormality.

Ian Thompson, MD - the moderator of this podium session — suggested that the investigators now test prostatectomy specimens of men in this study for TMPRSS2-ERG status.

Source:

1. TMPRSS2-ERG Fusion Prostate Cancer Prevalence Linked To PSA Density And Histologic Features In Multicenter US Prostate Biopsy Cohort