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

• Published in: Oncogene Vol. 26; no. 31; pp. 4596 - 4599
• Main Authors: DEMICHELIS, F, FALL, K, ADAMI, H.-O, MUCCI, L. A, KANTOFF, P. W, ANDERSSON, S.-O, CHINNAIYAN, A. M, JOHANSSON, J.-E, RUBIN, M. A, PERNER, S, ANDREN, O, SCHMIDT, F, SETLUR, S. R, HOSHIDA, Y, MOSQUERA, J.-M, PAWITAN, Y, LEE, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Nature Publishing 05.07.2007; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Care and treatment; Cell physiology; Cell transformation and carcinogenesis. Action of oncogenes and antioncogenes; Cohort Studies; ERG gene; Estrogens; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene expression; Gene Fusion; Genetic aspects; Genetics; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Health aspects; Humans; Identification and classification; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Kirurgi; Male; Male genital diseases; Medical prognosis; Medical sciences; MEDICIN; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; MEDICINE; Middle Aged; Molecular and cellular biology; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion - metabolism; Oncology; Onkologi; Phenotypes; Polymerase chain reaction; Polymerase Chain Reaction - methods; Prognosis; Prostate cancer; Prostatic Neoplasms - genetics; Statistical analysis; Surgery; Tumors; Tumors of the urinary system; Urinary tract. Prostate gland; United States; Urinary system disease; Prognosis; Prostate disease; Gene; cancer-specific death; Death; TMPRSS2:ETS; Malignant tumor; ERG; Male genital diseases; Prostate cancer; Carcinogenesis
• ISSN: 0950-9232; 1476-5594; 1476-5594
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210237

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.