Prevalence of ERG overexpression in prostate cancer on prostate biopsies at a tertiary public hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa
Date
2023-12
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed non-cutaneous malignancy in men in South Africa across all race groups with 10495 new cases reported in 2019. The TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene and resultant overexpression of ERG is estimated to occur at a rate of 30-50% within prostate cancer. The fusion gene is specific to prostate cancer and high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and has not been reported in other malignant neoplasms. The TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene, and by implication the overexpression of ERG, may serve as a diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic biomarker. The prevalence of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene in prostate carcinoma in South Africa has not been investigated previously. We sought to determine the prevalence of the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion among men undergoing prostate biopsies at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa and to determine whether there is an association between prostate cancer grade and ethnicity/race. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive laboratory study where we analysed 362 prostate biopsies, diagnosed with prostate cancer, between January 2010 and December 2017. All 362 cases were reviewed, and the diagnosis was confirmed. 336 cases were stained with ERG (Cell Marque, clone EP111) an adequate surrogate marker for the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene. The prevalence was calculated and compared with Gleason grade group and ethnicity/race to determine if there is an association. Results: ERG overexpression was detected in 34% of cases. Our study showed an association with a lower Gleason score and ERG overexpression. There is a higher prevalence of TMPRSS2-ERG amongst the coloured population in this cohort, at 34%. Conclusions: This is the first study to characterise the prevalence of ERG overexpression in prostate cancer in patients who underwent prostate biopsies in South Africa. Our results show that this gene rearrangement is common in the study population and that the prevalence of 34% is within the range reported in international literature.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2023.