Link
Author: Ron Winslow
Date of Publication: October 16, 2013
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304384104579139881257219094
Summary
The conception that tumors can be delineated based on biology, as opposed to location in the body, is supported by new findings from the Cancer Genome Atlas research project. The report names a variety of genetic mutations that are common across 12 different cancers. Mutations in genes can cause cancer by disrupting normal cellular processes; the genes that are mutated primarily oversee molecular pathways functioning in cell growth. Researchers examined 3281 tumors originating from sites of breast, uterus, lung, colon, brain, kidney, and other cancers. They found 127 genes that had a high possibility of triggering the disease. Many of these genes were known before the study was conducted, but the roles some play are still being clarified. It is hoped that ongoing compilations of genetic mutations that cause the growth of tumors will spur the development of precision medicine: drugs that address the underlying genetic cause of a disease. By discovering common mutations that are partly responsible for various forms of cancer, a foundation might be laid for the development of new, more effective treatments.
Relevance
This article relates to our curriculum, due to the fact that we are currently studying cancer and possible treatments. The textbook states that there are three common treatments for cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery removes the malignant tumor, if possible. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy address cancer at the cellular level, by attempting to keep uncontrolled cell division in check. The former exposes the body to radiation to destroy cancer cells. The latter utilizes drugs to disrupt cell division; antimitotic drugs prevents the mitotic spindle from forming, while other drugs “freeze” it after formation. The article “Same Gene Mutations Tied To Twelve Cancers” introduces another possibility, precision medicine. Targeting genetic anomalies that cause cancer in lieu of (or in conjunction with) other therapies may open up new horizons in the field of cancer treatments.
Have they identified specific sets of gene mutations that are directly linked to a specific type of cancer?
ReplyDeleteAccording to cancer.net:
ReplyDeleteThere are several genes linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Some of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes associated with breast cancer risk are described below.
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. HBOC is associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 (BRCA stands for BReast CAncer). Women with HBOC have an increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Men with HBOC have an increased risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). A-T is a rare disorder associated with a specific genetic mutation. It causes progressive neurological problems that lead to difficulty walking, slurred speech, and difficulty with writing and other tasks. People with A-T have an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma, and possibly melanoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and stomach cancer.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS). LFS is a rare condition associated with a specific genetic mutation. People with LFS have a higher risk of developing osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer), soft tissue sarcoma, leukemia, breast cancer, brain cancer, and adrenal cortical tumors.
Cowden syndrome (CS). CS is a rare genetic condition caused by a specific genetic mutation. People with CS have an increased risk of developing breast cancer and noncancerous breast changes and noncancerous and cancerous tumors of the thyroid and endometrium (lining of the uterus).
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). PJS is caused by a specific genetic mutation and is associated with multiple polyps in the digestive tract that become noncancerous tumors, increased pigmentation (dark spots on the skin) on the face and hands, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer.
Other genes. Other genes may cause hereditary breast cancer. However, more research is needed to understand how gene mutations can increase breast cancer risk and to find other genes that may increase a person's risk of breast cancer.
link: http://www.cancer.net/all-about-cancer/genetics/genetics-breast-cancer
Kaitlyn--yes, although the particular study conducted in the article was focusing on mutations that can be implicated in multiple kinds of cancer. For example, the gene BRAF is associated with 7% of certain lung cancer tumors, 4% of colon cancer malignancies and in smaller fractions of brain, bladder, head-and-neck, kidney and ovarian cancers.
ReplyDelete