Longevity & AgingEpihTERT Epigenetic Signature May Finally Solve Prostate Cancer Overtreatment Crisis
PSA screening detects prostate cancer early but causes massive overdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary surgery and radiation in men with harmless tumors. This perspective paper introduces EpihTERT, a panel of epigenetic signatures centered on the hTERT gene, which controls telomerase — the enzyme cancer cells use to become immortal. Cancer-specific hypermethylation of the THOR region and the broader Acheron CpG island activates hTERT, while simultaneously silencing a natural tumor suppressor RNA called hTAPAS. These changes can be detected in tissue biopsies and blood, offering a non-invasive way to flag which tumors are truly dangerous. The authors argue EpihTERT could help doctors decide who needs treatment versus monitoring, reducing harm while ensuring aggressive cancers receive timely intervention.
