Title | TMPRSS2-ERG fusion heterogeneity in multifocal prostate cancer: clinical and biologic implications. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2007 |
Authors | Barry M, Perner S, Demichelis F, Rubin MA |
Journal | Urology |
Volume | 70 |
Issue | 4 |
Pagination | 630-3 |
Date Published | 2007 Oct |
ISSN | 1527-9995 |
Keywords | Biopsy, 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. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.urology.2007.08.032 |
Alternate Journal | Urology |
PubMed ID | 17991527 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC3198826 |
Grant List | P50 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 |