Scientists have identified 72 new genetic variants associated with the risk of breast cancer. In two recently published studies, researchers describe the new variants – including some that are associated with two biologically distinct types of breast cancer cases that don’t respond to hormonal therapy. These results come from a global project which involved over 500 scientists. Study authors say these findings are major contributions to the inherited biological basis of breast cancer, which might help lead to improved screening, earlier detection and better treatments for this disease.
Authors:
Kyriaki Michailidou, Sara Lindström, Douglas F. Easton et al.
Canadian author:
Jacques Simard, Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Email: jacques.simard@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca
Original paper published in Nature on October 23, 2017.
