TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion associated with lethal prostate cancer in a watchful waiting cohort.

Abstract

The identification of the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion in prostate cancer suggests that distinct molecular subtypes may define risk for disease progression. In surgical series, TMPRSS2:ERG fusion was identified in 50% of the tumors. Here, we report on a population-based cohort of men with localized prostate cancers followed by expectant (watchful waiting) therapy with 15% (17/111) TMPRSS2:ERG fusion. We identified a statistically significant association between TMPRSS2:ERG fusion and prostate cancer specific death (cumulative incidence ratio=2.7, P<0.01, 95% confidence interval=1.3-5.8). Quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated high ets-related [corrected] gene (ERG) expression to be associated with TMPRSS2:ERG fusion (P<0.005). These data suggest that TMPRSS2:ERG fusion prostate cancers may have a more aggressive phenotype, possibly mediated through increased ERG expression.

Authors
  • Adami HO
  • Andersson SO
  • Andrén O
  • Chinnaiyan AM
  • Demichelis F
  • Fall K
  • Hoshida Y
  • Johansson JE
  • Kantoff PW
  • Lee C
  • Mosquera JM
  • Mucci LA
  • Pawitan Y
  • Perner S
  • Rubin MA
  • Schmidt F
  • Setlur SR
PubMed ID
Appears In
Oncogene, 2007, 26 (31)