New gene sites add to breast cancer risk
Monday May 10th, 2010
Five new gene regions have been identified as linked to breast cancer, scientists reported last night.
The increase in risk caused by genetic variants at these regions is small, say the experts, but it may become possible to develop tests for a combination of variants that significantly increase the risk when put together.
Professor Nazneen Rahman of The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK, and colleagues say this work could aid prevention, diagnosis and treatment for individuals at risk of breast cancer.
They scanned the entire genetic code of more than 4,000 women with breast cancer and a family history of the disease. This highlighted several genetic variations that were more common among patients than healthy women. The most promising regions were then tested in over 12,000 patients and 12,000 non-patients around the world.
Ultimately, five regions were isolated. There are now 18 common "low risk" genetic sites linked to breast cancer, which together increase the risk by six to 16 per cent. The study is published online by the journal Nature Genetics.
However, Professor Rahman explains: "We still don't know which genes are causing this increased risk. Identifying the underlying genes and mechanisms behind breast cancer development is essential to increasing our understanding of the disease and ultimately finding new treatments."
Dr Helen George of Cancer Research UK commented: "This is by far the largest study of its kind to explore the common genetic variations that contribute to breast cancer risk.
"This research takes us a step closer to developing a powerful genetic test for the disease. Such a test could help doctors identify women who have an increased breast cancer risk so that they can make informed decisions about how to take steps to reduce their chance of developing the disease."
Turnbull, C., et al. Identification of five new breast cancer susceptibility for loci through a genome-wide association study. Nature Genetics, published online May 10, 2010.
Tags: Cancer | Genetics | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology
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