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    Gene may have 'protective effect' against cancer

    Posted on 22/11/2007

    A key gene might have a 'significant protective effect' against a wide range of cancers, according to new research from the UCL Institute of Child Health.

    The study, published in Oncogene looked at common variations in the B-MYB gene and found that those carrying one such variation had 'half the incidence of cancer' when compared to a control group.

    Study author Dr Arturo Sala said: 'This would suggest that we have found a key player in the genetic influences in cancer.'

    In previous research, a similar but much rarer variation of a different gene had been linked to protection against a broad range of cancers. Researchers say that the new discovery is potentially much more significant, because the B-MYB variation is so common.

    However, Dr Sala cautioned that 'although the results are statistically significant, we would certainly want to see the scale of the effect confirmed in a much larger study.'

    If confirmed, the results raise the possibility of genetic screening for cancers in the future.



    Category: Health


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