TMPRSS2-ERG fusion heterogeneity in multifocal prostate cancer: clinical and biologic implications.

TitleTMPRSS2-ERG fusion heterogeneity in multifocal prostate cancer: clinical and biologic implications.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsBarry M, Perner S, Demichelis F, Rubin MA
JournalUrology
Volume70
Issue4
Pagination630-3
Date Published2007 Oct
ISSN1527-9995
KeywordsBiopsy, Needle, DNA-Binding Proteins, Gene Fusion, Humans, In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Multiple Primary, Prostatic Neoplasms, Serine Endopeptidases, Trans-Activators
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the clonality of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in multifocal prostate cancer.

METHODS: From 80 consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens, we identified 32 cases with multiple spatially separate tumors. In each case, we assessed two to three tumor foci for TMPRSS2-ERG fusion using an ERG break-apart interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization assay.

RESULTS: Individual tumor foci showed homogeneity for fusion status (intrafocal clonal homogeneity). In 19 (59%) of the 32 cases, all foci within a case had the same fusion status (interfocal homogeneity). In 15 (80%) of the 19 cases, no foci had fusion, and in 4 (20%), all foci had fusion. Of the 32 cases, 13 (41%) demonstrated heterogeneity for fusion status within a case (interfocal clonal heterogeneity).

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have demonstrated interfocal heterogeneity and intrafocal homogeneity for TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in prostate cancer with multiple tumors. These findings support the multiclonal nature of prostate cancer with clinical implications for needle biopsy strategies and the development of urine-based screening tests.

DOI10.1016/j.urology.2007.08.032
Alternate JournalUrology
PubMed ID17991527
PubMed Central IDPMC3198826
Grant ListP50 CA090381 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
P50 CA090381 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG021404 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01AG21404 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States