Almost 100 Chromosomal Regions Associated With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Both smokers and non-smokers can develop lung cancer especially if they carry genes which increase their susceptibility. In 2004, the Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium found that lung cancer susceptibility was linked to chromosomes 6, 12, 14, and 20. (National Cancer Institute, July 26, 2004) This week, researchers at Dana-Fabrer Cancer Institute identified 93 chromosomal regions corresponding 11 genes that are associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). (EurekAlert, June 27, 2005)
In some these chromosomal regions, more than the normal number of the same gene were found aka over-copying. In other regions, where certain genes were expected, they were not there at all aka deletions. Even more interesting, these same chromosomal irregularities appeared to be associated with pancreatic cancer as well.
NSCLC make up about 75 percent of all lung cancer cases in the United States and is one the most difficult cancers to treat. Only about 15 percent of patients live longer than five years after diagnosis. A better understanding of cancer genetics will hopefully lead to improved prevention and treatment.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Genetics of Disease
.gif)
0 opinions for Almost 100 Chromosomal Regions Associated With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: