Metastasis is responsible for 90 percent of cancer deaths. Researchers have found that the mutations driving it may stem from a commonly inherited variant of the PCSK9 gene.
Ninety percent of cancer deaths are due to the spread of cancer, not complications from the original tumor. Thus, for over 50 years now, scientists have been on a quest to identify which malignant mutations within the tumor allow rogue cells to break away from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to metastasize throughout the body.
In fact, Tavazoie and colleagues had previously demonstrated that various germline alleles of APOE can enhance or suppress melanoma metastasis. To find out whether breast cancer metastasis operates in a similar manner, the Tavazoie lab dove into human genetics with large patient cohorts from multiple countries.
Despite the evidence now linking the PCSK9 variant to metastatic disease, Tavazoie clarifies that patients with this variant should not be alarmed. The data suggests that patients with the variant have a 22 percent risk of metastasis, as compared to a 2 percent risk without the variant."The majority of patients with early-stage breast cancers harboring either variant will still never develop metastasis," he says.
Pancreatic Cancer Cancer Skin Cancer Personalized Medicine Colon Cancer Brain Tumor Lung Cancer
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
PCSK9 Inhibitors Associated With Lower Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Risk in Cohort StudyPCSK9 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk for nonmelanoma skin cancer in older adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, in a retrospective cohort study.
Read more »
California researchers discover new species of sea slugMore than two decades after spotting a mysterious, gelatinous, bioluminescent creature swimming in the deep sea, California researchers this week announced that it was a new species of sea slug.
Read more »
Researchers made crack-resistant concrete using fibers from cheap carpet scrapsResearchers have found a way to use waste carpet fibers to create stronger and more durable crack-resistant concrete.
Read more »
Researchers seek, and find, a magical illusion for the earsA contest to design a sound-only magic trick could help psychologists learn about differences between visual and auditory perception.
Read more »
Researchers found a surprise in DNA from Beethoven’s 200-year-old hairA study published in 2023 highlights significant discoveries that were only made possible through DNA analysis of Beethoven’s hair.
Read more »
U of A, ASU researchers testing smart tree watering techniques in urban heat-effected areasJacqueline Aguilar joined KGUN 9 as a multimedia journalist in February of 2024.
Read more »