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Search for cancer genes unlikely to succeed, say experts
May 12, 2006Common susceptibility genes for cancer: Search for the end of the rainbow; BMJ Volume 332, pp 1150-2
The hunt to find common genes that are associated with cancer is unlikely to be successful, say experts in this week's BMJ.
Huge resources are being invested in the search for common inherited genetic variants that increase susceptibility to cancer. One US project, for example, will cost $14m. But devoting a large research effort to searching for common cancer susceptibility genes has several problems, write authors Stuart Baker and Jaakko Kaprio.
The first is that recent research suggests these genes are unlikely to exist or, if they do, are unlikely to have much of an effect on the incidence of cancer.
A second reason to play down the role of common susceptibility genes is studies suggesting that environmental, dietary, or lifestyle changes have a large effect on the incidence of cancer. These studies show changes in incidence within one or two generations, which is probably too quick to be related to the introduction of new genes.
A final reason to be sceptical comes from results from a study of cancers in twins. By analysing data from identical and non-identical twins, the authors showed that genetic susceptibility made only a small to moderate contribution to the incidence of cancer.
Studies that have shown links between common genes and cancer may be due to bias.
But, even if susceptibility genes were identified, showing clinical benefit would still be difficult, and further large trials would be needed, they add.
"The search for common cancer susceptibility genes faces important methodological and practical challenges for cancer prevention, given the small chance that such genetic variants exist and the difficulty and expense of proving substantial clinical benefit if they do exist," they conclude. "Enthusiasm for this new field of research should not precipitate unwarranted expectations."
BMJ-British Medical Journal
The first is that recent research suggests these genes are unlikely to exist or, if they do, are unlikely to have much of an effect on the incidence of cancer.
A second reason to play down the role of common susceptibility genes is studies suggesting that environmental, dietary, or lifestyle changes have a large effect on the incidence of cancer. These studies show changes in incidence within one or two generations, which is probably too quick to be related to the introduction of new genes.
A final reason to be sceptical comes from results from a study of cancers in twins. By analysing data from identical and non-identical twins, the authors showed that genetic susceptibility made only a small to moderate contribution to the incidence of cancer.
Studies that have shown links between common genes and cancer may be due to bias.
But, even if susceptibility genes were identified, showing clinical benefit would still be difficult, and further large trials would be needed, they add.
"The search for common cancer susceptibility genes faces important methodological and practical challenges for cancer prevention, given the small chance that such genetic variants exist and the difficulty and expense of proving substantial clinical benefit if they do exist," they conclude. "Enthusiasm for this new field of research should not precipitate unwarranted expectations."
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Cancer Genes Current Events and Cancer Genes News RSSScientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome.
Study finds 231 new genes associated with head and neck cancer
A Henry Ford Hospital study has identified 231 new genes associated with head and neck cancer, one of the most deadly cancers responsible for 2.1 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States.
New type of genetic change identified in inherited cancer
Duke University Medical Center and National Cancer Institute scientists have discovered that a novel genetic alteration - a second copy of an entire gene - is a cause of familial chordoma, an uncommon form of cancer arising in bones and frequently affecting the nervous system.
Study looks at using the immune system to reduce prostate cancer risk
Immune therapies have been explored as a way to treat cancer after it develops.
Novel 'on-off switch' mechanism stops cancer in its tracks
A tiny bit of genetic material with no previously known function may hold the key to stopping the spread of cancer, researchers at Yale School of Medicine and Sichuan University in Chengdu, China report in two papers in the September 7-11 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
GEN reports on expanding NextGen sequencing applications
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies are not only beginning to supplant traditional Sanger sequencing methodology but are also giving DNA microarrays a run for the money as well, reports Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN).
Scientists from University of Hawaii at Manoa find genetic marker
A new genetic marker associated with ovarian cancer risk was recently discovered by an international research group, led by scientists from the Cancer Research Genetic Epidemiology Unit in the United Kingdom.
Tumor mutations can predict chemo success
New work by MIT cancer biologists shows that the interplay between two key genes that are often defective in tumors determines how cancer cells respond to chemotherapy.
Comprehensive look at rare leukemia finds relatively few genetic changes launch disease
The most comprehensive analysis yet of the genome of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) found only a few mistakes in the genetic blueprint, suggesting the cancer arises from just a handful of missteps.
Surprising new insights into the repair strategies of DNA
A microscopic single-celled organism, adapted to survive in some of the harshest environments on earth, could help scientists gain a better understanding of how cancer cells behave.
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