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Virus linked to prostate tumours Virus linked to prostate tumours
(1 day later)
A virus known to cause cancer in animals has been found for the first time in human prostate cancer cells. Scientists have produced compelling evidence that a virus known to cause cancer in animals is linked to prostate cancer in humans.
The researchers from the University of Utah and Columbia University medical schools found the virus in 27% of the 200 cancerous prostates they looked at.The researchers from the University of Utah and Columbia University medical schools found the virus in 27% of the 200 cancerous prostates they looked at.
They say it was associated with more aggressive tumours and found in only 6% of non-cancerous prostates.They say it was associated with more aggressive tumours and found in only 6% of non-cancerous prostates.
This is the first report to link XMRV (Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus) to human cancers. The finding raises the prospect of one day producing a vaccine.
Previous research has linked XMRV (Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus) to prostate cancer but not specifically to the aggressive form of the disease.
RetrovirusRetrovirus
XMRV is a retrovirus like HIV which works by inserting a copy of its own DNA into the chromosomes of a cell they infect.XMRV is a retrovirus like HIV which works by inserting a copy of its own DNA into the chromosomes of a cell they infect.
We still don't know that this virus causes cancer in people, but that is an important question we are going to investigate. Dr Ila Singh, University of UtahWe still don't know that this virus causes cancer in people, but that is an important question we are going to investigate. Dr Ila Singh, University of Utah
Where this occurs next to a gene that regulates cell growth it can disrupt the normal development of the cell.Where this occurs next to a gene that regulates cell growth it can disrupt the normal development of the cell.
XMRV is known to cause leukaemia and other tumours in animals.XMRV is known to cause leukaemia and other tumours in animals.
Dr Ila Singh, who led the study from the pathology department at the University of Utah, said: "We still don't know that this virus causes cancer in people, but that is an important question we are going to investigate.Dr Ila Singh, who led the study from the pathology department at the University of Utah, said: "We still don't know that this virus causes cancer in people, but that is an important question we are going to investigate.
"One of the things peculiar about this virus is that it has an androgen response element - it grows better in the presence of testosterone and possibly other steroid hormones."One of the things peculiar about this virus is that it has an androgen response element - it grows better in the presence of testosterone and possibly other steroid hormones.
PROSTATE CANCER FACTS Most common cancer in men in UK 10,000 die each yearMost cases are in those aged 70-74Higher rates in most deprived populationsSource: Cancer Research UKPROSTATE CANCER FACTS Most common cancer in men in UK 10,000 die each yearMost cases are in those aged 70-74Higher rates in most deprived populationsSource: Cancer Research UK
"This is particularly interesting because if we can prove that it responds to oestrogen it could have a role in other cancers."This is particularly interesting because if we can prove that it responds to oestrogen it could have a role in other cancers.
"We are already looking at the bodies of 100 women and 100 men, who died from other causes, to see if any other organs carry the virus.""We are already looking at the bodies of 100 women and 100 men, who died from other causes, to see if any other organs carry the virus."
Risk factorRisk factor
Dr Helen Rippon, Head of Research Management at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said the research was intriguing but posed several key questions about the role the infection plays in prostate cancer.Dr Helen Rippon, Head of Research Management at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said the research was intriguing but posed several key questions about the role the infection plays in prostate cancer.
It is critically important to identify key triggers of prostate cancer to improve early detection Dr Helen Rippon, Prostate Cancer CharityIt is critically important to identify key triggers of prostate cancer to improve early detection Dr Helen Rippon, Prostate Cancer Charity
She said: "Around the world, extensive work is being undertaken to identify risk factors for prostate cancer which will enable treatments and tests for the disease to be refined.She said: "Around the world, extensive work is being undertaken to identify risk factors for prostate cancer which will enable treatments and tests for the disease to be refined.
"It is critically important to identify key triggers of prostate cancer to improve early detection of the disease in men with potentially life threatening prostate cancer.""It is critically important to identify key triggers of prostate cancer to improve early detection of the disease in men with potentially life threatening prostate cancer."
Dr Chris Parker, Cancer Research UK's prostate cancer expert at the Institute of Cancer Research said: "This exciting study raises the possibility that the virus might contribute to the development of some prostate cancers.Dr Chris Parker, Cancer Research UK's prostate cancer expert at the Institute of Cancer Research said: "This exciting study raises the possibility that the virus might contribute to the development of some prostate cancers.
"In the future, if it turns out to be true, then we could speculate about the possibility of vaccination to protect against prostate cancer, similar to the approach now used to prevent cervical cancer.""In the future, if it turns out to be true, then we could speculate about the possibility of vaccination to protect against prostate cancer, similar to the approach now used to prevent cervical cancer."