How does PTEN loss impact treatment?
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two weeks ago following an MRI with a PRADS score of 5 and Biopsy with a Gleason Score of 3+4=7. I began discussing a treatment plan based on that information and the fact that the cancer appears to be localized in one area of the prostate. Friday night, I received a call from my doctor. The call was to inform me that the genetic testing of the cancer reveal a total loss of my PTEN(cancer suppression gene) in 75% of the cancer cells. From what I understand, this puts me at a high risk for reoccurance, high risk for spreading outside the prostate and makes it more difficult to treat. Has anyone else had this diagnosis? What are my treatment options now?
Hi
. It is certainly understandable to be anxious about getting the diagnosis and then finding out about the genetic mutation. Mutations in the PTEN gene and loss of expression is one of the most common changes in prostate cancer (see: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/pten). I can't personally speak to this issue, but I found this article on how precision medicine is finding ways to target PTEN-deficient prostate cancer: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7690430/. Hoping this can provide some information for further discussions with your doctors. One final note, it is good that your Gleason is a 7 and seems to be contained. This opens treatment options. Wishing you the best and please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask additional questions. Richard (Team Member)
