110 breast cancer genes identified

BRITISH scientists have discovered a ‘treasure trove’ of 110 genes which raise the risk of breast cancer, in a major breakthrough which paves the way for new treatments.

The study, the most comprehensive investigation ever conducted into the genetics of breast cancer, used pioneering techniques to create maps of a woman’s DNA.

Previously researchers knew of only a few genetic mutations which raise breast cancer risk. The most famous – the BRCA mutation carried by Angelina Jolie – was discovered in London and Cambridge more than 20 years ago, and paved the way for medicines which tailor drugs to genetics.

Now a team at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have found 110 more genes that increase a woman’s risk.

The researchers, whose work was published in the Nature Communications journal, said this will provide a huge range of new targets for drug development. Study leader Dr Olivia Fletcher said: ‘Our study took the high-level maps of breast cancer risk regions and used them to pull out specific genes that seem to be associated with the disease. Ultimately, it could pave the way for new genetic tests to predict a woman’s risk, or new types of targeted treatment.’

Professor Paul Workman, of the Institute of Cancer Research, added: ‘Large-scale genomic studies have been instrumental in associating areas of our DNA with an increased risk of breast cancer. This study brings these regions of DNA into sharper focus, uncovering a treasure trove of genes that can now be investigated in more detail.’