‘Groundbreaking’ DNA tests could ‘spot men most likely to fall victim to under-the-radar prostate cancer’

SCIENTISTS are developing a DNA test to tell if a man’s prostate cancer will come back.

Patients who are at genetic risk of tumour cells flying under the radar and surviving radiotherapy could get extra treatment to make sure they are all wiped out.

Current scans often cannot see the cells as they hide in tiny glands – but a man’s genes could give them away.

Dr Jane Shortall, of the University of Manchester, said: “We’ve found that a man’s DNA can affect the likelihood of whether his cancer will spread to where it can evade radiotherapy.

“Armed with this knowledge, we’re working out for the first time how to identify these men so we can adjust their treatment.

“We’re also looking at how to spot the early signs of cancer returning in follow-up scans so it can be treated again as quickly and as successfully as possible.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, affecting more than 52,000 and killing 12,000 every year.

It is not known what causes the disease but age, family history, obesity and being black can all mean you’re more at risk.

The disease can be treated with radiotherapy or by surgery to remove the organ if it is caught early.

However, some men who have had successful radiotherapy treatment can see their cancer return because tumour cells have spread to seminal vesicles glands that scans can’t see.

Prostate Cancer UK is funding the new research into improving how doctors are able to spot this and improve people’s treatment as a result.

Simon Grieveson, of Prostate Cancer UK, said: “For a man with early-stage prostate cancer, radiotherapy is an extremely effective treatment — and for lots of men it can be curative. 

“Sadly, however, too many men find out after treatment that their prostate cancer has come back. 

“Dr Shortall’s work has the potential to optimise and tailor the way men are treated with radiotherapy and ensure that more men do not see their cancer return.”