Menu
27/06/2014
Blood Test Could Predict Breast Cancer - Research
A blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, according to research by the University College London (UCL).
The research, published in Genome Medicine, identifies an epigenetic signature in the blood of women predisposed for breast cancer owing to an inherited genetic mutation of the BRCA1 gene.
Epigenetic alterations are thought to be key molecular switches that are involved in the development of cancer. The same signature was discovered in the blood of women without a BRCA1 mutation but who went on to develop breast cancer, making it a potential early marker of women’s cancer in the general population.
BRCA1 mutation is inherited from a parent, and is the cause of at least ten percent of breast cancers. The cause of the remaining 90% of sporadic breast cancers in non-mutation carriers remains to be explained. Scientists are beginning to understand that genetic mutations are not the sole contributors to disease development and that the way in which genes are arranged in our cells can affect whether they function appropriately – that is, whether they are turned on or off. The arrangement and expression of our genes is overseen by the process of epigenetics. One of the most studied epigenetic mechanisms is a process called DNA methylation, which was the focus of the current study.
Professor Martin Widschwendter, the study's lead author and head of the UCL Department of Women's Cancer, said: "We identified an epigenetic signature in women with a mutated BRCA1 gene that was linked to increased cancer risk and lower survival rates. Surprisingly, we found the same signature in large cohorts of women without the BRCA1 mutation and it was able to predict breast cancer risk several years before diagnosis."
(CD)
The research, published in Genome Medicine, identifies an epigenetic signature in the blood of women predisposed for breast cancer owing to an inherited genetic mutation of the BRCA1 gene.
Epigenetic alterations are thought to be key molecular switches that are involved in the development of cancer. The same signature was discovered in the blood of women without a BRCA1 mutation but who went on to develop breast cancer, making it a potential early marker of women’s cancer in the general population.
BRCA1 mutation is inherited from a parent, and is the cause of at least ten percent of breast cancers. The cause of the remaining 90% of sporadic breast cancers in non-mutation carriers remains to be explained. Scientists are beginning to understand that genetic mutations are not the sole contributors to disease development and that the way in which genes are arranged in our cells can affect whether they function appropriately – that is, whether they are turned on or off. The arrangement and expression of our genes is overseen by the process of epigenetics. One of the most studied epigenetic mechanisms is a process called DNA methylation, which was the focus of the current study.
Professor Martin Widschwendter, the study's lead author and head of the UCL Department of Women's Cancer, said: "We identified an epigenetic signature in women with a mutated BRCA1 gene that was linked to increased cancer risk and lower survival rates. Surprisingly, we found the same signature in large cohorts of women without the BRCA1 mutation and it was able to predict breast cancer risk several years before diagnosis."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 September 2003
Genetic testing could assist in cancer treatment, report claims
Testing tumours for the breast cancer gene BRCA1 could be a powerful way of predicting how patients will respond to chemotherapy, scientists from Breast Cancer Campaign and Cancer Research UK have said. Researchers have found that tumour cells react differently to chemotherapy depending on how well BRCA1 is working within them.
Genetic testing could assist in cancer treatment, report claims
Testing tumours for the breast cancer gene BRCA1 could be a powerful way of predicting how patients will respond to chemotherapy, scientists from Breast Cancer Campaign and Cancer Research UK have said. Researchers have found that tumour cells react differently to chemotherapy depending on how well BRCA1 is working within them.
30 September 2003
'Next big step' in breast cancer treatment launched
Cancer Research UK scientists will today embark on the next big step towards preventing breast cancer with the launch of a major new trial called IBIS II. The 10-year study will test a new drug called anastrozole and involve 10,000 healthy women who are at an increased risk of the disease.
'Next big step' in breast cancer treatment launched
Cancer Research UK scientists will today embark on the next big step towards preventing breast cancer with the launch of a major new trial called IBIS II. The 10-year study will test a new drug called anastrozole and involve 10,000 healthy women who are at an increased risk of the disease.
01 May 2012
Breast Cancer Can Be Detected Years Before, According To Study
Dr James Flanagan, a Breast Cancer Campaign scientific fellow in the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, has uncovered the first strong evidence that molecular or 'epigenetic' changes in a gene can be associated with breast cancer risk and can be detected many years before breast cancer develops.
Breast Cancer Can Be Detected Years Before, According To Study
Dr James Flanagan, a Breast Cancer Campaign scientific fellow in the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, has uncovered the first strong evidence that molecular or 'epigenetic' changes in a gene can be associated with breast cancer risk and can be detected many years before breast cancer develops.
12 August 2010
UK's Breast Cancer Deaths Fall
Population-based breast cancer mortality rates in the UK have dropped steeply in the last two decades - more than in any other major European country - according to a study published on bmj.com. These results challenge claims that survival after breast cancer is worse in the UK than elsewhere in western Europe.
UK's Breast Cancer Deaths Fall
Population-based breast cancer mortality rates in the UK have dropped steeply in the last two decades - more than in any other major European country - according to a study published on bmj.com. These results challenge claims that survival after breast cancer is worse in the UK than elsewhere in western Europe.
29 October 2003
Saturated fats could 'slightly increase' breast cancer risk
Eating large amounts of saturated fat could "slightly increase" the risk of breast cancer, according to a review published in the British Journal of Cancer.
Saturated fats could 'slightly increase' breast cancer risk
Eating large amounts of saturated fat could "slightly increase" the risk of breast cancer, according to a review published in the British Journal of Cancer.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
