pancreas cancer : RESEARCHERS FIND REGION OF GENE FOR INHERITED PANCREATIC CANCER ( 2 )

Researchers were able to gather sufficient genetic data for this study through the cooperation of a large Northwestern family known in scientific communities as "Family X." Family X is the largest pancreatic cancer family ever studied. Twenty affected family members were studied; nine have died of the disease, including five out of six brothers. Dr. Brentnall has been working with Family X for more than seven years.

The DNA samples collected by Brentnall's University of Washington group from Family X were genotyped by a team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, led by Dr. Whitcomb. The Pitt group sequenced DNA from hundreds of areas of the genome known to contain a high degree of genetic variability. This information was then sent to Kruglyak's group at Fred Hutchinson, who, by using sophisticated computer software, were able to determine which genetic variations are always present in the family members with pancreatic cancer or its precursor, dysplasia.

Virtually every member of Family X with pancreatic cancer or its precursor was found to harbor a specific genetic marker on the long arm of chromosome 4, where the single-gene mutation responsible for pancreatic cancer is thought to exist. None of the unaffected family members inherited this marker, supporting the significance of the findings.

According to researchers, identifying these markers may lead to the discovery of a specific pancreatic cancer gene - a finding that will allow doctors to screen people for genetic risk for pancreatic cancer with a simple blood test.

Dr. Whitcomb stresses the importance of the collaborative effort that resulted in this advancement. "Those of us who are working with complex and mysterious medical problems like pancreatic cancer recognize that no independent physician or scientists can go from the bed to the bench and back again alone. It takes physician-scientist teamwork, as demonstrated here, to make the big breakthroughs."

Of the 29,000 Americans who this year will learn they have pancreatic cancer, all but 100 will die within 12 months of diagnosis. While pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, it is one of the least well-funded areas of cancer research.

Due to the limited knowledge about pancreatic cancer, researchers stress that patients seeking treatment for pancreatic cancer or who are looking to be screened for the disease should visit a center that specializes in pancreatic disorders such as the Digestive Disease Center at the University of Pittsburgh or the University of Washington.
Support for this study was provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; the National Institute of Mental Health; the National Pancreas Foundation; the Lustgarten Foundation; the Center for Genomic Sciences, University of Pittsburgh; and the Chiron Corporation.

http://www.cancer-info.com/pancreas.htm