Research Looks at Preventing Genetically Inherited Cancers

Deadly stomach and breast cancers that are genetically inherited could be treated or even prevented with existing drugs identified by Otago University cancer researchers.

The researchers said their research showed that the key genetic mutation underlying familial stomach and lobular breast cancers also opened them to attack through drug therapies targeting cellular mechanisms.

Currently the lack of treatments meant surgical removal was often used as a preventive measure in people identified as carrying the mutated gene that causes the cancers.

Study leader Professor Parry Guilford said: “Making such drug treatments a reality would mean delaying or completely avoiding the trauma that high-risk individuals experience by undergoing major preventive surgery at a young age.”

Original article by English.news.cn, Xinhua, March 20, 2015.