Six New Genes Linked to Inherited Breast Cancer

Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered six new genes linked to inherited breast cancer.

A mutation of any of the six genes involved in Fanconi anemia (a rare childhood disease) can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, according to the study published in the journal Science.

The discovery of the six genes raises the total of breast cancer susceptibility genes to eight, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

"Just as women today can be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations to determine if they have an inherited predisposition for breast cancer, testing for mutations in these other six genes may soon become a routine part of gauging inherited breast cancer risk," said Dr. Alan D'Andrea, senior author of the study. "Women and their doctors can then use the information in deciding how to keep that risk at a minimum."

The discovery of the new breast cancer susceptibility genes came from more than 10 years of research by D'Andrea into Fanconi anemia, a condition that affects only 500 families in the United States. Children with the condition develop bone marrow failure early in life and are especially susceptible to developing various forms of cancer if they live into early adulthood.

"This work is a prime example of how research into rare conditions can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for people with far more common diseases," said D'Andrea.

Now that the association between the six Fanconi genes and breast cancer has been found, researchers are hopeful they will be able to find new tests for determining who is at risk for inherited breast cancer, and develop new drugs targeted at these mutated genes.

Other sources: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute