Detected two culprit genes causing bowel cancer

(British scientists) - British scientists believe that they have explained why some families are at risk of incredible high intestinal cancer through DNA analysis of 20 people with a family history of cancer. letter.

The results were published in Nature Genetics.

Mr. Joe Wiegand, one of 20 participants in the study, was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 28. Both his grandmother, his father and his uncle had the disease, some of his cousins ​​also had bowel cancer and brain tumors.

Researchers have studied the genetic code of these 20 patients and found that there are 2 mutated genes capable of transmitting cancer.

Prof Ian Tomlinson, of Oxford University, who led the study, said the two mutant genes are rarely encountered, but if a person inherits the two genes, the risk of cancer is very high. high.

He added that, in the short term, the results of the study could be used to detect people at high risk of cancer to follow up, and in the future may be able to design strategies. Special treatment for gene mutations like this.

Professor Julie Sharp, from the Cancer Research Institute, said the findings were one of the most important findings in the field of cancer genetics over the years.

Dr. Julie Sharp of the British Cancer Research Institute said the results of the study could help families with a high family history prevent cancer from developing or help detect cancer early to help much. survivor.