Menu
09/01/2009
First Breast Cancer Gene-Free Baby Born
The first British baby genetically-selected to be free of the breast cancer gene, has been born.
Doctors at University College London said the girl and her mother were doing "very well".
The baby grew from an embryo screened to ensure it did not contain the faulty BRCA 1 gene, which passes cancer down generations. Any daughter born with the gene has a 50% to 85% chance of developing breast cancer.
Women in three generations of the husband's family have been diagnosed with the disease in their 20s.
Paul Serhal, Medical Director of the hospital's Assisted Conception Unit, said: "This little girl will not face the spectre of developing this genetic form of breast cancer or ovarian cancer in her adult life.
"The parents will have been spared the risk of inflicting this disease on their daughter. The lasting legacy is the eradication of the transmission of this form of cancer that has blighted these families for generations."
In June, the 27-year-old mother-to-be, who wishes to remain anonymous, opted for screening. Her 28-year-old husband is a carrier.
She said: "We felt that, if there was a possibility of eliminating this for our children, then that was a route we had to go down."
The technique, which is known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) involves taking a cell from an embryo at the eight-cell stage of development, when it is around three-days old, and testing it.
It has already been used in the UK to free babies of inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.
(JM/BMcC)
Doctors at University College London said the girl and her mother were doing "very well".
The baby grew from an embryo screened to ensure it did not contain the faulty BRCA 1 gene, which passes cancer down generations. Any daughter born with the gene has a 50% to 85% chance of developing breast cancer.
Women in three generations of the husband's family have been diagnosed with the disease in their 20s.
Paul Serhal, Medical Director of the hospital's Assisted Conception Unit, said: "This little girl will not face the spectre of developing this genetic form of breast cancer or ovarian cancer in her adult life.
"The parents will have been spared the risk of inflicting this disease on their daughter. The lasting legacy is the eradication of the transmission of this form of cancer that has blighted these families for generations."
In June, the 27-year-old mother-to-be, who wishes to remain anonymous, opted for screening. Her 28-year-old husband is a carrier.
She said: "We felt that, if there was a possibility of eliminating this for our children, then that was a route we had to go down."
The technique, which is known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) involves taking a cell from an embryo at the eight-cell stage of development, when it is around three-days old, and testing it.
It has already been used in the UK to free babies of inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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).
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.
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.
-
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.
