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Home>Breast Cancer> Gene Linked To Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Gene Linked To Lower Breast Cancer Risk
In another presentation at the conference, Dr. Uwe Langsenlehner and colleagues from Medical University Graz in Austria
showed that a specific genetic variation in a cytokine gene is associated with lower breast cancer risk.
Cytokines are molecules that act as signals between cells. The authors were examining the cytokine IL 10, which is involved
in the development of various tumors.
"In breast cancer risk, IL-10 may be a two-edged sword," Dr. Langsenlehner said. "On one hand, higher IL-10 levels could
facilitate development of cancer by supporting tumor escape from the immune response. On the other hand, the anti-angiogenic
effects of IL-10 are supposed to prevent or reduce tumor growth and spread."
Specifically, the Austrian team examined a particular genetic arrangement, or haplotype, in the promoter region of the gene,
which has been associated with increased IL-10 expression. The researchers call this the TCATA haplotype.
In a study comparing 500 women with breast cancer against 500 health controls, they found that breast cancer patients were
significantly less likely to have two versions of the TCATA haplotype.
"Our study suggests that high levels of IL-10 may be protective against breast cancer," Dr. Langsenlehner said. "The
mechanism for this remains to be determined, but may likely include anti-angiogenic functions of IL-10. If this result can be
confirmed in additional studies, determination of IL 10 genotypes may help to obtain a more precise individual breast cancer
risk profile."
About the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
ESMO is Europe's leading professional society providing education and clinical guidelines for medical oncologists and other
healthcare professionals, working to ensure optimal care for cancer patients. Currently, with 4,500 members, ESMO is
represented in every European country and the six major geographical areas of the world. Since its inception in 1975, ESMO
has consistently promoted its belief that every cancer patient is entitled to the best possible treatment available. The use
of medicine is now a fundamental aspect of cancer therapy and, consequently, cancer patients need to be treated by qualified
medical oncologists. Through its flagship scientific journal, Annals of Oncology, ESMO publishes research results on all
aspects of clinical oncology. Donations to the ESMO Foundation support ESMO activities as well as cancer research. More
information about the Society is available at http://www.esmo.org
About the 2nd ESEC Conference
This unique educational conference is designed to offer updates on state-of-the-art oncology for the major tumor types as
well as special interactive sessions for young medical oncologists.
Highlighting the conference are new developments in treatment, advances in basic science and health services, as well as
methods of providing supportive care to cancer patients. Special sessions focus on new ESMO Minimum Clinical Recommendations,
how to handle medical oncology emergencies, and cancer in Central and Eastern Europe.
Reference URL
http://www.esmo.org/PressRoom
SOURCE: http://www.alphagalileo.org
 
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