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Recurrent Gene Fusions in Prostate Cancer: Their Clinical Implications and Uses

  • Prostate Cancer (D Parekh, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Gene fusions, resulting from chromosomal rearrangements, have been attributed to leukaemias and soft tissue sarcomas. The recent discovery of a recurrent gene fusion TMPRSS2-ERG in approximately half of the prostate cancers tested indicates that gene fusions also play a role in the onset of common epithelial cancers. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western male population. It is a heterogeneous disease, both in terms of pathology and clinical presentation. Since the discovery of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, other gene fusions have been reported, most of which result in the androgen-regulated over-expression of the oncogene ERG or other ETS transcription factors. The high prevalence of these gene fusions represents a distinct class of tumours, which may give more insight in the heterogeneity of the disease. These gene fusions are of interest as biomarkers for diagnosis of prostate cancer, and some of them could be useful in predicting the presence of aggressive disease. This review focuses on the biological significance and clinical implementation of gene fusions, and particularly the most commonly reported TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, in prostate cancer.

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Disclosure

Dr. Daphne Hessels reported no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Professor Jack Schalken reported no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

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  1. NovioGendix BV, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Daphne Hessels

  2. Department of Urology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Jack A. Schalken

  3. Department of Urology, Experimental Urology, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 30, 6525GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Jack A. Schalken

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  1. Daphne Hessels
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Correspondence to Jack A. Schalken.

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Hessels, D., Schalken, J.A. Recurrent Gene Fusions in Prostate Cancer: Their Clinical Implications and Uses. Curr Urol Rep 14, 214–222 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-013-0321-1

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