Many gene changes found in cancer

Article Abstract:

Researchers now believe that human cells become cancerous through a series of many steps; each step is apparently caused by a specific genetic mutation. Ten separate abnormalities may need to accumulate before a cell becomes cancerous. In cancer, cell growth is abnormally rapid. Scientists have discovered that certain genes, called oncogenes, must be activated to produce accelerated growth. But for malignancy to develop, several other genes, suppressor genes, must be inactivated; these genes normally limit cell proliferation. Loss of suppressor gene activity appears to be as crucial as stimulation of oncogenes in changing a normal cell to a cancerous one. These control mechanisms appear to be operating in the most common forms of human cancer, lung, colon and breast cancer. Research into the stages of carcinogenesis may lead to greatly improved prevention and early treatment of cancer. Identifying an individual with several suspicious mutations, when 10 to 15 are known to render cells cancerous, could allow for intensive prevention efforts and close medical screening of that individual. In the future, treatment strategies may also be tailored to each patient based on genetic mutations. Research efforts are in the early stages, and many questions must still be answered before these clinical advances are realized.

Research, Complications and side effects, Cancer cells, Carcinogenesis, Chromosome abnormalities

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A second breast cancer susceptibility gene found

Article Abstract:

An international research team has identified a second familial breast cancer gene that they believe accounts for most of the familial breast cancer than is not due to BRCA1. The discovery is so important that CRC Technology and Myriad Genetics Inc are fighting over patent rights to the gene.

Pharmaceutical industry, Intellectual property, Oncogenes, Myriad Genetics Inc., CRC Technology

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Possible function found for breast cancer genes

Article Abstract:

Researchers have uncovered evidence that the proteins produced by the cancer susceptibility genes BRAC1 and BRCA2 may both play a major role in cellular DNA repair. The findings may help explain how BRCA mutations cause cancer and suggest more effective avenues of treatment.

Care and treatment, DNA repair, Cancer treatment

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