Cancer research takes rural focus

Biomedical researchers in the University of Ballarat’s School of Science and Engineering will shortly commence a large genetic study looking for new predictors of prostate cancer.

The study will build on previous research and determine, for the first time, if the Y chromosome is involved in prostate cancer.

The project team includes Associate Professor Todd Walker, Dr Fadi Charchar and research students from UB, with collaborators at the University of Melbourne.

Associate Professor Todd Walker said 18,700 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year with almost 3000 men dying from prostate-related diseases.

“Regional communities appear to have higher incidence of prostate cancer. In 2006, there were 417 cancers diagnosed in Ballarat,” Associate Professor Walker said.

“Of these, 62 were prostate cancer, which after bowel cancer was the second highest type of cancer diagnosed in this region.

“For every 100 men who die of prostate cancer in a metropolitan area of Australia, such as Melbourne or Sydney, 121 men will die in rural Australia.”

The study is funded by a $30,000 grant from the Helen McPherson Smith Trust, a philanthropic fund committed to supporting regional Victorian Research.

While prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 50, younger men with a history of prostate cancer in their family are at greater risk.

Associate Professor Todd Walker, who heads the research team, said the Y chromosome exists only in males and it determines the male sex and other male specific traits.

“Evidence from humans studies show that the Y chromosome may contribute to cancer. However until now the Y chromosome has not been the subject of gene mapping,” Associate Professor Walker said.

“The research could provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying prostate disease and risk, and explain why some males are more prone to prostate cancer than others. These mechanisms may potentially identify novel therapeutic targets for the future.”

(Source: University of Ballarat School of Science and Engineering: March 2009)