Biomedical scientists identify cancer gene
Thursday 22nd April 2010
A gene that could be behind hereditary breast and ovarian cancer has been identified by biomedical scientists.
Researchers led by Professor Alfons Meindl of the University of Technology Munich noted that RAD51C is essential for the repair of DNA within cells, with mutations causing the disease.
In cases where mutations have occurred, women were shown to be at 60 to 80 per cent risk of developing breast cancer, while the risk of ovarian cancer was 20 to 40 per cent.
One of the authors, the University Hospital of Cologne's Dr Rita Schmutzler, said the team is optimistic it will be possible to determine the chances of individuals getting the diseases.
"These risk predictions will allow the offering of tailored prevention and small meshed early recognition programmes," she said. "Risk-aligned prevention will become a new clinical area."
Last week, scientists in Israel suggested a voice test could allow sufferers of Parkinson's disease to be identified years earlier than is currently the case.
Written by Martin Lambert
Related articles
Chemical to tackle breast cancer found in celery
Doctors and those in biomedical science jobs have long been searching for a definitive treatment to help treat breast cancer, but...
Thursday 17th May 2012
Prostate cancer drug set to be approved
A prostate cancer drug is set to be approved and put into use across NHS services after previously being rejected. The...
Wednesday 16th May 2012
Blindness could be treated with diabetes drug
Blindness is one condition that many people fear, the debilitating effect that it has can change a person's life forever. ...
Wednesday 9th May 2012
Related Biomedical-Science Jobs
Experienced and qualified BMS in Biochemistry required for a locum opportunity in the North West of England. We are looking...
Full infoExperienced BMS in Cytology required for a locum job opportunity to work in the North West of England. Based within an NHS setting...
Full infoWe have an urgent requirement for a Biomedical Scientist in Histology for an exiting job working in central London. HPC Registered...
Full info