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Triple Risk For Smokers With Faulty Gene
July 09, 2002Smokers who inherit a particular genetic trait could triple their chances of getting lung cancer according to a report in the British Journal of Cancer.*
While tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer. the risk of developing it varies. This has led scientists to believe that genetics may have a crucial role in deciding who is most susceptible to the disease.
German researchers have found that a quarter of patients with the most common form of lung cancer carry a particular version of a gene involved in keeping the airways clear. By contrast only nine per cent of healthy people carried it.
And it is known that a number of respiratory diseases, are related to the condition of the airways, are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
The researchers studied 117 lung cancer patients - nearly all of whom were or had been smokers.
They compared these patients with a similar number of healthy individuals and a third group of patients who were smokers and suffering from a variety of illnesses other than lung cancer.
The study showed that one version of the surfactant protein B gene, which is essential for normal lung function, was found in a significantly higher number of lung cancer patients than those in the other groups.
It was identified in 25 per cent of patients with the most common type of the disease - the squamous form of non-small cell lung cancer.
Leading researcher Dr Carola Seifart says: "Smoking is by far the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. But not all smokers go on to develop the disease which means there must be other factors involved."
Dr Lesley Walker, Director of Information for Cancer Research UK, says: "This is important because scientists are increasingly turning their attention to identifying gene variants. These may not carry a high risk in themselves but in combination with other genes and lifestyle factors can tip the balance as to whether a person is more susceptible to cancer."
Sir Paul Nurse, interim Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "We know that smokers run a major risk of getting lung cancer. This report suggests that if people who smoke also possess this particular gene variant - their risk of lung cancer is even higher.
"Any information that discourages smoking contributes towards our efforts to help prevent cancer as well as to find ways to cure it."
Ends
Cancer Research UK
And it is known that a number of respiratory diseases, are related to the condition of the airways, are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
The researchers studied 117 lung cancer patients - nearly all of whom were or had been smokers.
They compared these patients with a similar number of healthy individuals and a third group of patients who were smokers and suffering from a variety of illnesses other than lung cancer.
The study showed that one version of the surfactant protein B gene, which is essential for normal lung function, was found in a significantly higher number of lung cancer patients than those in the other groups.
It was identified in 25 per cent of patients with the most common type of the disease - the squamous form of non-small cell lung cancer.
Leading researcher Dr Carola Seifart says: "Smoking is by far the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. But not all smokers go on to develop the disease which means there must be other factors involved."
Dr Lesley Walker, Director of Information for Cancer Research UK, says: "This is important because scientists are increasingly turning their attention to identifying gene variants. These may not carry a high risk in themselves but in combination with other genes and lifestyle factors can tip the balance as to whether a person is more susceptible to cancer."
Sir Paul Nurse, interim Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "We know that smokers run a major risk of getting lung cancer. This report suggests that if people who smoke also possess this particular gene variant - their risk of lung cancer is even higher.
"Any information that discourages smoking contributes towards our efforts to help prevent cancer as well as to find ways to cure it."
Ends
Cancer Research UK
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Study raises concerns about outdoor second-hand smoke
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PET imaging response a prognostic factor after thoracic radiation therapy for lung cancer
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Study of concurrent radiotherapy, chemotherapy shows promise in small cell lung cancer
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Stereotactic radiotherapy offers noninvasive, effective treatment for frail patients with early-stage lung cancer
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) should be considered a new standard of care for early-stage lung cancer treatment in patients with co-existing medical problems, according to results from a national clinical trial led by UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians.
Preventative brain radiation for lung cancer patients: Benefits and risks
A new study is taking a closer look at the benefits versus risks for lung cancer patients to undergo preventative brain radiation therapy as a means to stop cancer from spreading to the brain.
Study spotlights efficacy of questionnaire to identify patients at high risk for lung cancer
A study featured in the November issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology confirms the success of a simple questionnaire designed to identify patients at high risk of lung cancer.
Intervals between lung cancer diagnosis and treatment displays a health care disparity
Research published in the November 2009 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology has found that intervals between lung cancer suspicion, diagnosis and treatment may be attributed to health care system discrepancies.
Researchers use drug-radiation combo to eradicate lung cancer
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have eliminated non-small cell lung (NSCL) cancer in mice by using an investigative drug called BEZ235 in combination with low-dose radiation.
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