Genetics and Family

[jfoesq]

FYI- I was diagnosed >7 years ago at age 54 with metPC. I have responded well to treatment and will be re-starting Zytiga on Monday after my PSA went from <.05 to .08. I am not seeking any advice at the moment (unless someone thinks they have something useful), but thought it wold be interesting to note:

My father, was diagnosed at age 60 with localized PC ( and died 29 years later form heart failure;

2 of my 3 brothers were diagnosed shortly after me with localized at ages 59 and 61. There doctors were made aware of my diagnosis and acted quickly.

My 3rd brother was diagnosed this week at age 62 with localized. Thankfully, my Dad's PC was caught early and the same for my 3 brothers- but WOW- what a genetic connection!

If I can be so bold, if any of you have brothers, sons (of a certain age) do what you can to have them checked out now, and in the future.

[Dachshundlove]

Hi jfoesq

My husband was diagnosed with advanced PC in May. His father died from PC.

Have you done any genetic testing and if so, was there anything significant discovered?

My husband has a germline BRCA2 variant (of unknown significance).

And a germline line ATR variant also of unknown significance.

There is an oncologist Peter Nelson (I think is his name) and he has done extensive study on the genetics of PC. He says PC is one of the most, if not the most heritable disease there is. I totally believe it.

[jfoesq in reply to Dachshundlove]

Hi- I did have genetic testing done, would have to look for the results. As I recall, I didn't have anything unusual in my make-up, except for something that SLIGHTLY increases the chances of getting colon cancer. So- I am supposed to get a colonoscopy every 5 years, instead of the every 7 recommended for others.

If I can locate the genetic testing results, I will let you know.

Thx

[Hidden in reply to jfoesq]

Hello jfoesq

I realize this original post was 3 months ago but just curious if you knew what your genetic variant was. My father has stage 4 castrate resistant pc. So did his father. He has 2 brothers and one sister who are BRCA2 positive. But here is where it gets weird......my dad is BRCA2 negative and STILL got PC. His only genetic mutation was one for potential colon cancer. So I thought it unusual that yours was as well. I was wondering if it was the same.

Sincerely

Linda

[jfoesq in reply to Hidden]

Linda- Sorry- I should know, but I don't. I did have genetic testing done but am not sure if any genetic variants were found.

[Hidden in reply to jfoesq]

Ok, not a problem. My dads is a mismatch repair gene known to cause colon cancer MSH3. We visited his new oncologist yesterday, and there may be promising treatments for this variation.

[jfoesq in reply to Hidden]

Linda- I do know I have a gene that increases chances of colon cancer. I believe they said it’s a gene more common in Ashkenazi Jews., but I don’t know what it’s called. Maybe it’s the same as your father’s. It would be interesting to know what his oncologist meant by “promising treatments “. I will find out what my gene is named.

[AuburnAngel]

I would also suggest that those with strong links to inherited prostate or more aggressive prostate cancers also have their daughters be more aware to check for breast and gynecological cancers as there can be connections. Awareness can save lives.

[2dee]

Grandpa died PCa at 81.

Mother died breast at 53.

Her sister and 7 children all died young of various cancer.

I'm Dx 2018 stage 4 metastatic PCa and genetic tested with BRCA2 mutation.

Thanks grandpa.

My daughter, no BRCA2, thanks to no luck in the family lottery. Yay...

Reached out to all bloodline relatives to be tested using my results. Haven't heard back from any BRCA2 positives yet. Maybe no news is some good news?

GET TESTED IF FAMILY HISTORY.

2Dee

[j-o-h-n]

You're spot on...... Sometimes it's too bad that will can't pick our family....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 10/24/2019 6:03 PM DST