Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London confirm that these genetic mutations put men at increased risk of developing prostate cancer at a younger age and with a more aggressive form than those who do not carry them, which calls for the adoption of regular blood tests using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
The call is based on the results of the international IMPACT study, which was funded by British research bodies, including Cancer Research UK and the International Institute for Cancer Research.
The study included more than 3,000 men from 65 centers in 20 countries, all of whom underwent annual PSA testing over five years.
The results showed that men carrying BRCA1 mutations are three times more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer than those without, while the risk for BRCA2 carriers is more than double the normal rate. The average age of diagnosis was 60 for carriers of the gene, compared to 65 for non-carriers.
Professor Rose Eales, Professor of Genetic Oncology and study leader at the Institute of Cancer Research, said: "Our study shows that men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer. Until more accurate tests are available, targeted screening using the PSA test could help detect the disease earlier, when the chances of treatment are greatest."
Ailes called for updating medical guidelines so that men aged 40 and older who carry mutations in the BRCA genes can undergo an annual PSA test.
The BRCA gene gained prominence after American actress Angelina Jolie announced that she had undergone a double mastectomy and oophorectomy after discovering a defect in the BRCA1 gene, which increased her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Since then, this gene has become a symbol of awareness about the importance of preventive genetic testing for early detection of cancer.
