Researchers have identified dozens of new genes involved with the development of breast cancer, it has been announced.
The latest study has found 40 gene mutations that can aid the development of the disease.
Experts at Cambridge University, UK, found the mutations from a reanalysis of the sequencing on 173 genes in 2,433 samples of primary breast tumours which have long-term clinical follow-up information available.
The 40 genes aid the growth of cancer cells, and whole they may not be needed for maintenance of the final cancer, they must have been involved at some point, the researchers found.
Some of the most common mutations are in the PIK3CA gene and these are linked to poor survival in three out of the ten known sub-groups of breast cancer, the researchers say. Drugs that target the gene are already in development.
The study was published yesterday (10 May) in Nature Communications.
"The genomic landscape of breast cancer is complex, and inter- and intra-tumour heterogeneity are important challenges in treating the disease," they write. "These results emphasise the importance of genome-based stratification of breast cancer, and have important implications for designing therapeutic strategies."
The team, led by Professor Carlos Caldas, were partially funded by Cancer Research UK. Professor Caldas, says: "These new results give us even more detail about which genetic faults could be linked to how different types of breast cancer develop and progress."
Professor Peter Johnson of Cancer Research UK added: "Our research continues to highlight just how complicated cancers are, but we are managing to solve these puzzles faster than ever. Research like this will help us invent new diagnostic tests to guide treatment for breast cancer patients in the future."
Pereira, B. et al. The somatic mutation profile of 2,433 breast cancers refines their genomic and transcriptomic landscapes. Nature Communications 10 May 2016 doi: 10.1038/ncomms11479 [abstract]
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