'Ignored cell' can trigger prostate cancer

'Ignored cell' can trigger prostate cancer

A type of prostate cell largely overlooked by experts has been identified as a trigger for malignant prostate cancer.

Researchers from Howard Hughes Medical Institute, US, revealed the discovery and said it could provide a new tool for exploring the genetic changes that lead to prostate cancer.

"We've defined one cell type as an originator of prostate cancer," said Owen Witte, who led the research published in Science.

"Now we can use that knowledge to find genetic pathways that can be attacked therapeutically to control the disease."

The prostate is comprised of two main cell types: luminal cells and basal cells, with the former long-thought to have been the cause of cancer in the gland.

However, in lab testing on mice, Mr Witte's team found that basal cells acquired the genetic damage required to turn cancerous.

Their findings led to further research on human tissue and a conclusion that "basal cells may be a source of the disease in humans".

Men living in Ireland now have a one in 11 chance of developing prostate cancer, according to data from the Irish Cancer Society.