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01/08/2003
Scientists close in on skin-cancer gene
Cancer Research UK scientists have made a major discovery in the research and treatment of the disease after they located a new gene which pre-disposes people to skin cancer, according to a study published today.
Researchers from the charity are part of the international team close to isolating the gene, which they have found to sit on a tiny part of chromosome 1 – one of the bundles of DNA containing our genes.
Inheriting a faulty version of the gene is thought to give people a much higher than average chance of developing malignant melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – and may be responsible for up to a third of inherited cases.
Scientists believe the study provides a "valuable insight" into the way in which melanoma develops, and in the future, will allow doctors to identify, monitor and advise those more susceptible to the disease to help them reduce their risk.
The most important cause of melanoma is exposure to the sun, but scientists think that, in around 10% of cases, inherited genes play a role.
"Sun exposure causes damage to the skin's DNA and accumulation of this damage can lead to cancer. Some people may inherit an increased susceptibility to melanoma and for these individuals avoiding the sun's rays becomes even more important," said Dr Julia Newton-Bishop – part of the husband and wife team who worked on the study – from the Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre at St James University Hospital in Leeds.
"High risk genes for breast cancer have been identified and well researched and we are running an international effort to discover similar genes for melanoma – a disease that is becoming increasingly more common.," she added.
Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign suggests people: stay in the shade between 11am-3pm; make sure they never burn; always cover up with a T-shirt, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; remember to take extra care with children and use factor 15 plus sunscreen.
(GMcG)
Researchers from the charity are part of the international team close to isolating the gene, which they have found to sit on a tiny part of chromosome 1 – one of the bundles of DNA containing our genes.
Inheriting a faulty version of the gene is thought to give people a much higher than average chance of developing malignant melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – and may be responsible for up to a third of inherited cases.
Scientists believe the study provides a "valuable insight" into the way in which melanoma develops, and in the future, will allow doctors to identify, monitor and advise those more susceptible to the disease to help them reduce their risk.
The most important cause of melanoma is exposure to the sun, but scientists think that, in around 10% of cases, inherited genes play a role.
"Sun exposure causes damage to the skin's DNA and accumulation of this damage can lead to cancer. Some people may inherit an increased susceptibility to melanoma and for these individuals avoiding the sun's rays becomes even more important," said Dr Julia Newton-Bishop – part of the husband and wife team who worked on the study – from the Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre at St James University Hospital in Leeds.
"High risk genes for breast cancer have been identified and well researched and we are running an international effort to discover similar genes for melanoma – a disease that is becoming increasingly more common.," she added.
Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign suggests people: stay in the shade between 11am-3pm; make sure they never burn; always cover up with a T-shirt, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; remember to take extra care with children and use factor 15 plus sunscreen.
(GMcG)
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24 June 2003
£50m funding unveiled for NHS gene research
The government is set to promote the development of genetics within the NHS following its decision to plough £50 million into the scheme over the next three years. The White Paper 'Our Inheritance, Our Future - Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS' sets out the government's strategy.
£50m funding unveiled for NHS gene research
The government is set to promote the development of genetics within the NHS following its decision to plough £50 million into the scheme over the next three years. The White Paper 'Our Inheritance, Our Future - Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS' sets out the government's strategy.
10 July 2009
Gene Defect Linked To Allergy, BMJ Finds
Defects in a particular gene - the filaggrin gene - are associated with a significantly increased risk of developing allergic disorders such as eczema, rhinitis, and asthma, concludes a study published on bmj.com today. Allergic diseases have increased in recent decades and now affect up to one in three children in economically developed countries.
Gene Defect Linked To Allergy, BMJ Finds
Defects in a particular gene - the filaggrin gene - are associated with a significantly increased risk of developing allergic disorders such as eczema, rhinitis, and asthma, concludes a study published on bmj.com today. Allergic diseases have increased in recent decades and now affect up to one in three children in economically developed countries.
02 August 2004
Gene therapy trial for cancer patients gets green light
The green light has been given for a large clinical trial of a new gene therapy treatment for patients with Glioma - one of the most aggressive types of brain tumours for which there is currently no cure. The new gene therapy treatment involves injecting Herpes simplex virus into the brain tumours of Glioma patients.
Gene therapy trial for cancer patients gets green light
The green light has been given for a large clinical trial of a new gene therapy treatment for patients with Glioma - one of the most aggressive types of brain tumours for which there is currently no cure. The new gene therapy treatment involves injecting Herpes simplex virus into the brain tumours of Glioma patients.
27 June 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).
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).
23 June 2003
Scientists identify gene that can 'stop' ovarian cancer
Cancer Research UK scientists have claimed to have isolated a gene that has the power to stop ovarian cancer developing, according to a report published yesterday. Researchers found that the gene, known as OPCML, was "switched off" in almost 90% of the ovarian tumours that were tested.
Scientists identify gene that can 'stop' ovarian cancer
Cancer Research UK scientists have claimed to have isolated a gene that has the power to stop ovarian cancer developing, according to a report published yesterday. Researchers found that the gene, known as OPCML, was "switched off" in almost 90% of the ovarian tumours that were tested.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
