The prognosis (outcome in terms of survival) of advanced prostate cancer differs between individuals.

Whilst differences in the constitution of tumours differs and may account for much the individual differences in outcome, there is new research suggesting that differences in the genetic make-up of the individual (genome) may affect tumour progression.

In a recently published study from Japan (J Clin Oncol), host genetic factors were probed. 111 patients with advanced prostate cancer were studied for 13 genetic polymorphisms in the genome. Among the polymorphisms, those affecting the long allele of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the long allele of cytochrome p450 (CYP) 19 polymorphisms were significantly associated with a worse cancer outcome.

The authors conclude that the prognosis of metastatic prostate cancer patients is influenced by intrinsic genetic factors.