VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR STUDY

Washington University School of Medicine is seeking families who have two or more men living with prostate cancer for a study to identify the gene that causes the disease.

Researchers at the university have narrowed their search for one prostate cancer gene to a specific section of one chromosome which appears to be missing a tumor suppressor gene. Tumor suppressor genes help keep cell growth in check, thereby helping to prevent cancer. When those genes are deleted, researchers suspect, cancer may be initiated.

By studying blood samples from men with prostate cancer, researchers can look at chromosomal regions likely to harbor prostate cancer genes. The studies will also help identify the causes of sporadic prostate cancers, which occur when a gene is inherited in its normal form but is damaged later by environmental factors or other causes.

For more information about the research study, call Debra Humphrey at 1-800-362-9275.