Want to know more about three recent studies linking DNA and lung cancer? Here’s a quick look at the basics, along with some thoughts on why the findings are interesting.
First the highlights, from the journals Nature and Nature Genetics:
The three studies found variations, all in the same region of chromosome 15, as the “top hit” for genes associated with lung cancer. The finding makes sense because a gene in that region already is known to encode a receptor for nicotine, that addictive ingredient lurking in tobacco.
Of particular interest is one genetic marker, a SNP, identified by all three studies. Having one copy of the risky variety of the marker appeared to raise a person’s risk of lung cancer by about 30 percent. About half of people of European descent have one copy of this higher-risk SNP.
Two copies appeared to raise that risk by about 80 percent. About 20 percent of people of European descent carry two copies.
The three studies disagree on whether this gene variant directly causes lung cancer, or indirectly raises the cancer risk because it actually leads to nicotine addiction. Because smoking and lung cancer are so closely linked, it will be difficult for scientists to tease apart these effects.
At Navigenics., our science team is taking a closer look at this SNP to see how much it says about risk. From there, we are deciding whether to include the findings from these studies in our health service.
In the meantime, though, we’d like to make our views on one aspect of this research clear. Some observers have wondered if having less risky versions of this SNP makes is safer to smoke. The answer is “No.” Smoking is linked to many different types of cancer and other health problems, not just lung cancer. Lighting up is a bad idea, no matter what your DNA says.
kathy hays Nov 10, 2008
My brother has lung cancer that involves the lining of his lungs. He nevered smoked, but was exposed to a great amounts of cigarette smoke from parents and relatives. Environmental factors, possibly, have contributed to his cancer. Can a DNA profile help determine the best medicines for him?
Thanks