A research published in The New England Journal of Medicine reports that an enhancer breast cancer gene, called PALB2, was found among women beyond 70 years.
A group of researchers at the University of Cambridge analyzed data from 154 families without BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (two genes already known as enhancers of breast cancer), but including 362 members with PALB2 gene mutations.
The researchers concluded that women carrying these mutations were 35% more likely to develop cancer after 70 years age. However, the researchers explained that the risk of breast cancer relies heavily on family history and women with family members affected by this the condition, the probabilities of developing the disease increased.
Only a small portion of women worldwide are carriers of these mutations. However, researchers believe that further study is needed to have more accurate estimates of the frequency of these mutations in the population.
Cells carrying the PALB2 mutation have proven to be sensitive to a new class of drugs known as PARP inhibitors, which are currently being tested in BRCA1/2-related breast cancers; and they would possibly serve to combat PALB2-related tumors.
Antonis Antoniou, from Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology at University of Cambridge, said: that “Knowing the key genes that significantly increase cancer risk and having precise cancer risk estimates ultimately could help assess the breast cancer risk for each woman and allow better targeting or surveillance.”
While Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician, said: “We’re learning all the time about the different factors that may influence a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer. This particular mutation doesn’t make people certain to develop cancer, but it’s another piece of information to help women make proper informed choices about how they may help to minimize their own risk.”
Via: www.abc.es
