New Genes Linked to Basal Cell Carcinoma Found

For people of European decent, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer worldwide. The major risk factor for it is well known: excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds. Although several rare inherited diseases can cause BCC (for example, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin's syndrome), Bazex's syndrome, and xeroderma pigmentosum), identifying specific genetic influences has been elusive.

Last week, researchers from Decode, an Icelandic biotech company, found two new gene variants that are apparently linked to BCC. About 1.6% of individuals of European ancestry have both variants, and their estimated risk of BCC is 2.7 times that of people without them. The variants are located on chromosome 1 but their function in the body is not yet known. What is known is that they have no impact on skin pigmentation or on the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. They join PTCH and MC1R, two other genes linked to BCC.

However, keep in mind this caution: "these types of studies are exciting because they offer a glimpse into how genetics may affect our bodies and health; but in most cases, more work is needed before this research can provide information of value to individuals."

Source:

Stacey SN, Gudbjartsson DF, Sulem P, et al (2008). "Common variants on 1p36 and 1q42 are associated with cutaneous basal cell carcinoma but not with melanoma or pigmentation traits." Nature Genetics. 2008 Oct 12.