Witte Lab          

Departments of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Urology
University of California, San Francisco

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Last updated: September 11, 2003
©  2002

Prostate Cancer Genetics Study (CaP Genes)

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men in the United States.  This disease appears to run in families; many men who have close relatives with prostate cancer are at an increased risk of developing this disease themselves. One possible explanation for the familiality of prostate cancer is genetics, and recent research has suggested some regions in DNA--the genetic material that guides our growth and development--that might harbor alterations that increase the risk. 

We initially studied brothers where at least one has prostate cancer in order to investigate the potential relation between genetic factors and their disease.  More recently, we have launched a new study of men diagnosed with more advanced prostate cancer.

We are collecting blood from these men, as well as basic information on their health and habits. From the blood we will get DNA, and then use this information look at those genes that plausibly could lead to prostate cancer, based on current scientific evidence. The information from this study will help provide men with additional knowledge about their risk of prostate cancer and, if they are already diseased, how genes might influence their response to treatment.
 Funding for CaP Genes is currently provided by the

Pilot funds to initiate the study were also provided by the

To learn more about CaP Genes or how to join the Study, please call our Coordinators at 216-368-6203.

Prostate Cancer Links