Lung cancer risk increases with expression of specific genes

A recent study published in the October 2009 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology determined that variations of specific genetic markers identified in previous research, or SNPs, may indicate a greater lung cancer risk in African Americans than in whites. The genes CHRNA3 and CHRNA5 may contribute to lung cancer risk due directly or through their association with nicotine dependence. Although their presence is less frequent in African Americans, the risk for lung cancer may be greater when present.

Researchers from the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, MI and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX evaluated data on 1,508 non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients (38 percent of which were African American) selected from the Detroit SEER Cancer registry and 1,314 corresponding control patients matched based on age, gender and race. The three case-controlled studies examined family history of lung cancer, smoking history, and age. Using unconditional logistical regression, a type of statistical analysis, researchers identified associations between SNPs and lung cancer risk while controlling for age, sex and smoking behavior.

Despite reporting lower levels of smoking, lung cancer incidence remains higher for African Americans, than for whites, so this is an important population in which to study the role of CHRNA3 and CHRNA5 genes and risk of lung cancer. 

Previous conclusions from the genome-wide associates studies (GWAS) identified associations between NSCLC risk, smoking behaviors and SNPs on the chromosome 15q25.1. The present study concentrated on the genes CHRNA3 and CHRNA5, confirming a stronger association with the risk of lung cancer than with nicotine dependence in African Americans.

“This research confirms that differences on a genetic level can alter our risks for lung cancer,” said lead investigator Ann Schwartz. “This research extends the need for such discoveries across diverse populations.”

###

Journal of Thoracic Oncology (JTO) – (journals.lww.com/jto)

The JTO is rapidly becoming a prized resource for medical specialists and scientists who focus on the detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The JTO is the official monthly journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC.org) and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, including original research (clinical trials and translational or basic research), reviews and opinion pieces.

Contact: Megan Richter

202-587-2556
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

RELATED STORIES:
Study shows way to predict lung cancer recurrence   Lung Cancer Screening Encouraged for Smokers with History of the Disease   China has become the 89th country to ratify the global tobacco treaty   Lung Cancer: Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Elderly   New genetic techniques to combat lung cancer   Gene Expression Profiling Not Quite Perfected in Predicting Lung Cancer Prognosis   Missing protein may hold lung cancer key   African-Americans’ Attitudes About Lung Cancer May Hinder Prevention   Value of CT screening for lung cancer unclear   Smac-ing lung cancer to death   Researchers surprised to find no link between marijuana, lung cancer   WHO starts drive against environmental cancer risk   Genetic Mutation Associated With Increased Risk of Lung Cancer   Risk of Surgery for Lung Cancer Lower at Teaching Hospitals   Dietary Phytoestrogens Reduce Risk of Lung Cancer   Oral test could predict lung cancer, study finds   Surviving Lung Cancer; New Technique Boasts High Cure Rates, Offers Hope in Place of Surgery   Novel animal model of lung adenocarcinoma   Gene Expression Profiling Advance for Lung Cancer Prognosis   Researchers Identify Tumor-Suppressor Gene for Lung Cancer   Lung Cancer Doesn’t Just Target Smokers   Blacks more likely to die of curable lung cancer than whites

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]