Genetic counseling in prostate cancer: How to implement it in daily clinical practice?

Prevalence of DNA-Repair Gene mutations in Mexican men with prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Mexico reported 26,742 new cases of prostate cancer in 2020. Different risk factors have been identified in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Among them, genetic factors and alterations or mutations in specific genes have been described in different ethnic groups worldwide. The aim of our study is to report the prevalence of germline DNA-repair gene mutations in Mexican patients with prostate cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We performed germline genetic testing in 50 patients with localized prostate cancer and 50 patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological data were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven germline mutations were identified in 32 patients. The most commonly affected genes were ATM in 6%, followed by FANCA (5%), and ATR (4%). BRCA2 mutations were identified in 3%. The frequency of mutations was higher in the metastatic group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results of our study show different mutations from those reported in different populations or regions. The use of PARP inhibitors is indicated in patients with germline mutations, specifically BRCA2, showing improvement in overall survival and progression free survival. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the prevalence of mutations in DNA-repair genes in Mexican patients with prostate cancer.

Functions and mechanisms of N6‑methyladenosine in prostate cancer (Review)

Prostate cancer (PCa) has long been a major public health problem affecting men worldwide. Even with treatment, it can develop into castration-resistant PCa. With the continuous advancement in epigenetics, researchers have explored N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) in search of a more effective and lasting treatment for PCa. m⁶A is widely distributed in mammalian cells and influences various aspects of mRNA metabolism. Recently, it has been associated with the development or suppression of various types of cancer, including PCa. This review summarizes the recent findings on m⁶A regulation and its functions and mechanisms in cells, focusing on the various functional proteins operating within m⁶A in PCa cells. Moreover, the potential clinical value of exploiting m⁶A modification as an early diagnostic marker in PCa diagnosis and therapeutics was discussed. m⁶A may also be used as an indicator to evaluate treatment outcome and prognosis.