Cancer Findings from the Genomic Medicine Institute

New Genetic Clue to Cancer Risk

Charis Eng, MD, PhD, holder of the Sondra J. and 
Stephen R. Hardis chair of the Genomic Medicine Institute, has discovered what may become a new way to assess the risk of some people developing inherited 
prostate and breast cancer and head and neck tumors. She has identified 16 specific locations in the human genome where imbalances of alleles make a person more prone to prostate, breast, neck and head cancers. This development could mean better management of patient care even before a disease develops.

Genetic Mutations have “Helpers”

Genetic mutations alone may not increase a patient’s risk for developing certain cancers. Dr. Eng and her team found that some genes may need enablers — or little helpers — that increase a patient’s risk of developing cancer.

The study team identified two enablers involved in the growth of cancer. This finding could lead to the discovery and development of diagnostics and preventive care for people with certain genes. The enablers are tiny parts of human DNA called microRNA that appear to play a role in “turning off” tumor-fighting genes. When these genes are turned off, cells are more likely to grow uncontrollably and cause cancers.