Aims:
With the data from the UK Biobank, we intend to study which factors and their interactions are critical for prostate cancer (PCa) development. Our group will analyze genetics, family history, and other health related data to identify differences and trends towards risk of aggressive cancer and poor clinical outcomes. These can be used to develop tests and models to predict prostate cancer risk of an individual based on the genetic and environmental factors.
In particular, we are interested in identifying novel genetic factors that drive PCA aggressiveness in high-risk populations such as men with of African ancestry.
Background/Rationale:
Family history, genetics, age, and race are the some of the most important PCa risk factors. However, family history alone does not precisely predict when or if men will develop disease. Multiple studies, some performed by our lab, have demonstrated the importance of genetic testing in prostate cancer and implicated multiple genetic variants in prostate cancers. While great progress has been made studying genetics of PCa; it has been difficult to define the rare genetic variants which predispose for aggressive PCa as opposed to mild PCa. Some of the reasons for this are differences in methods, sample sizes, and patient populations. The UK Biobank data will be used solely and jointly with other studies to provide a better understanding of the genetics of those with a high risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
High-risk populations for prostate cancer include men of African ancestry, who suffer disproportionately from aggressive PCa. Environmental exposure, different access to healthcare, and other socioeconomic factors may contribute this problem. Given that PCa has a genetic component and that when we adjust social determinants of health, we still see a familial-related disparity in mortality from PCa suggesting it is likely that genetic factors make an important contribution to the disparity.
Duration:
The anticipated project should take approximately 3 years after obtaining access to the data.
Public Health Impact:
The proposed work has the potential to identify novel mechanisms underlying aggressive and metastatic PCa. This approach will aid in development of new precision medicine interventions for aggressive PCa, ultimately reducing PCa disparities and improving outcomes for men of all races with aggressive disease.
