Scientists uncover new way of determining breast cancer risk
14 May 2008

Researchers in the US may have discovered a more accurate way of calculating a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, providing a new approach to future treatment.

A study conducted by scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas found that the chemical process, methylation, in genes serves as a type of biological, molecular clock indicating precancerous changes in breast cells, thus determining individual cancer risk.

Commenting on the findings, Dr David Euhus, professor of surgical oncology, said: "The more a cell has divided, the greater the risk for cancer. Monitoring methylation levels could give researchers a way of seeing how often cells have divided and where a woman stands on that clock. Once the clock reaches a certain hour, breast cancer is more likely to ensue."

Adding to previous research, Dr Euhus also wanted to investigate whether methylation of the tumor-suppressor gene RASSF1A increased over time when the ovaries are active in producing estrogen and progesterone on a monthly basis.

The results indicated that methylation of RASSF1A and other genes increases steadily during the years of ovarian cycling, suggesting that methylation does in fact act as a molecular clock recording the history of cell divisions.

In response to these latest findings, Dr Euhus looks to the development of medications that interfere with methylation as a new approach to reducing breast cancer risk in patients.

Register now to access our FREE educational library

Print Article    Bookmark

• Study highlights lack of sleep and exercise as cancer risk 18/11/08
• Doctors warned over pre-eclampsia risk in pregnant women 05/11/08
• Yoghurt found to reduce cancer risk 17/10/08
• Gender link explored in CHD research 14/10/08
• Additional testing may improve breast cancer risk assessment 29/07/08

• TRITACE Tablets - 24.72%
  ... more who have one or more of the following clinical findings: hypertension (systolic blood pressure> 160mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 90mmHg); high total cholesterol (>5.2 mmol/L); low HDL (<0.9 mmol/L); current smoker; known microalbuminuria; clinical evidence of previous vascular disease ...
  
  
• TRITACE Titration Pack - 24.36%
  ... who have one or more of the following clinical findings: hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 160mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 90mmHg); high total cholesterol (>5.2 mmol/L); low HDL (<0.9 mmol/L); current smoker; known microalbuminuria; clinical evidence of previous vascular disease. Oral ...
  
  
• BETAFERON - 23.54%
  ... of clinical relapses in ambulatory patients, who have had at least two attacks of neurological dysfunction in the preceding two years followed by complete or incomplete recovery. Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis - Slowing progression of disease and reduction in frequency of clinical relapses ...
  
  
• LOCOID Ointment - 22.5%
  The product is recommended for clinical use in the treatment of conditions responsive to topical corticosteroids e.g. eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids are not generally indicated in psoriasis but may be acceptable in psoriasis excluding widespread plaque psoriasis provided ...
  
  
• NAGLAZYME Solution for Infusion - 22.5%
  ... it is of primary importance, especially in severe forms, to initiate treatment as early as possible, before appearance of non-reversible clinical manifestations of the disease. A key issue is to treat young patients aged <5 years suffering from a severe form of the disease, even though patients <5 ...
  
  
• ELAPRASE Solution for Infusion - 22.5%
  Elaprase is indicated for the long-term treatment of patients with Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II). Heterozygous females were not studied in the clinical trials ...