BRCA1 and BRCA2

Both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are crucial for DNA repair and regulation of the cell cycle. Alterations in either of these genes can lead to genetic instability and an accumulation of genomic and post-genomic abnormalities.

The IMPACT study aims to investigate the physiological effects of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations using proteomic techniques.

It is hoped new biomarkers may be discovered which can differentiate between latent and aggressive forms of Prostate Cancer.

There is a subset of high-risk patients which are at risk of developing early onset, and potentially more aggressive, forms of prostate cancer. There is concern that some men who carry a BRCA2 gene alteration may belong to this subset.

By investigating the physiological effect of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene alterations, IMPACT hopes to gain a better understanding of how prostate cancer develops in this subset of men, with the aim of being able to make recommendations on the optimal treatment strategies for BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers who develop the disease. This is particularly relevant given the ongoing debate about the risks and benefits of radiotherapy and the potential mutagenicity of ionising radiation in men who may have a germline deficiency in DNA repair.

Next Section >> PSA Screening

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