According to a team of scientists, funded by the charity Cancer Research UK, two genes, which apparently play a substantial role in causing prostate cancer in men, can probably be the potential for new treatments.

Saying that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in British men, the scientists led by Dr Ros Eeles - from the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton, Surrey - noted that the deadly cancer affects almost 35,000 men in the UK every year, resulting in nearly 10,000 deaths.

The findings of the study, published today in the journal Nature Genetics, were based on the examination the DNA of 38,000 men, and scientists pinpointed seven regions in the genetic code that are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The scientists, who observed differences in over 43,000 single letter variations in the code, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), said that at least two genes - NKX3.1 and ITGA6 - can be considered potential targets for new treatments. While NKX3.1 controls the manner in which cells die; ITGA6, helps in cell growth, movement and survival.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Eeles said: "Our study adds further compelling evidence that genetic factors can influence a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. These results will help us to more accurately calculate the risk that a man could develop prostate cancer which will enable more targeted screening. Understanding more about these genes could also lead to the development of new treatments."