An advance in prostate cancer research has been made.  Scientists in Britain have found two distinct genetic signatures for prostate cancer that may help doctors predict who has aggressive tumours. 

The scientists have designed experimental blood tests to read those genetic signs like barcodes, and hope to eventually use the results to tell which patients need immediate treatment.

Johann de Bono led the study at Britain’s Institute of Cancer Research.  He says although tests for aggressive forms of prostate cancer already exist, they are only moderately accurate.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after lung cancer.

The results are published in the Lancet Oncology journal.