A GENE network has been uncovered that could lead to completely new treatments for prostate cancer.

The discovery shows how genes previously not linked to the disease are activated in cancers that have become resistant to hormone treatment.

Scientists identified potential new drug targets and markers that could be used to track cancer progression. Prostate cancer is fuelled by male hormones via a protein molecule called the androgen receptor.

The research reveals that in tumours resistant to hormone therapy, the receptor activates a different set of genes including some associated with the production of sugar and fat.

Scientists at Cambridge University made the discovery after looking at tissue samples from men with prostate cancer.

Irish Independent