Study finds new clues in understanding relapse in breast cancer

A genomic analysis has linked certain DNA mutations to a high risk of relapse in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, while other mutations were associated with better outcomes.

Breast_cancer. Image credit: Nephron/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the Baylor College of Medicine and the University of British Columbia analyzed tumor samples from more than 2,500 patients with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, one of the most common forms of the disease.

They found that although mutations in DDR1 and NF1 are rare, they are associated with early relapse, which makes them much more common in patients who unfortunately die from the disease.

One unique element of the study was the age of the samples. Many were over 20 years old, allowing the researchers to know the full history of how the patients fared. The study also confirmed past work showing that relatively common mutations in genes called MAP3K1 and TP53 had opposite effects on tumor aggressiveness.

Patients with MAP3K1 mutations did well, while those with TP53 mutations were likely to have a recurrence. The study has identified three genes, namely DDR1, PIK3R1 and NF1, with relatively uncommon mutations that were associated with cancer recurrence and spreading.

Those with mutations that are associated with a good prognosis may need less intensive therapy than they might otherwise receive. But if a patient's tumor has mutations linked to high risk of relapse, it's useful to know that early so they can be treated with more aggressive therapies or even potential investigational therapies that could be targeted to their specific mutations. (Agência Brasil)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Tiny Babies May Face Mental Health Problems Later

Extremely low birth weight babies may be at increased risk for mental health problems later in life, a new review suggests.

Gene linked to rare inflammatory disease in children

Autoinflammatory diseases are conditions in which the innate immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes activated and triggers inflammation. The innate immune system is the body’s rapid first line of defense against infection. The heat, swelling, and redness of inflammation are a normal part of the body’s protective response to injury or infection.

High exposure to radiofrequency radiation linked to tumor activity in male rats

High exposure to radiofrequency radiation in rodents resulted in tumors in tissues surrounding nerves in the hearts of male rats, but not female rats or any mice, according to draft studies from the National Toxicology Program.

Scientists Find Natural Product That Slows Aging

New research showed that treatment of aged mice with the natural product Fisetin has significant positive effects on health and lifespan.

Researchers link single gene variation to obesity

A single variation in the gene for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may influence obesity in children and adults, according to a new study.

Nine out of ten pairs of baby socks on the market contain traces of bisphenol A and parabens

A team of scientists has found that 9 out of 10 pairs of socks for babies and children from 0–4 years old contain traces of bisphenol A and parabens. The hormonal activities of these two endocrine disruptors have been linked to dysfunctions that can trigger illnesses in both children and adults.