Breast cancer gene hormone link Women with two common breast cancer genes may suffer from unusual levels of hormones, researchers reveal today. The finding may help explain why the two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, cause the two female cancers, breast and ovarian cancer, rather than other kinds of disease. Researchers say the findings may help develop new ways of preventing cancer linked to these two genes. Currently women identified as having them often take the step of undergoing drastic surgery - most notably Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. Researchers from University College, London, reveal their findings in Lancet Oncology today. The research has linked the genes to two hormones, oestradiol and progesterone, and now the researchers are seeking to track the impact of excess quantities on the female body. This had led to studies of the fallopian tubes as a potential source of cancer, the researchers say. Researcher Professor Martin Widschwendter said: “We have shown for the first time that cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers is not just caused by local defects in the ability of cells to repair themselves. “An additional, systemic problem – abnormal levels of female hormones in the bloodstream and altered downstream effects – is the likely explanation as to why BRCA1/2 mutations carriers develop breast and ovarian cancer rather than other cancers.” Fellow researcher Dr Adam Rosenthal said: Many women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations decide to have their breasts and ovaries removed because of their high-risk status. Clearly this is a drastic measure and there is an urgent need to develop less extreme approaches for cancer prevention in such women.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Oct 2013 11:02:07 +0000
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