Cervical cancer patients with specific changes in the cancer genome have a three- or fourfold increased risk of relapse after standard treatment compared to patients without these changes, according to a study by Norwegian researchers published November 13 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics. The research suggests that specific genetic changes are crucial steps in the progression of the disease towards an aggressive and treatment-resistant state.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related death. The researchers therefore sought to explore whether these genetic changes could add information to clinical data obtained through standard examination methods, and be used to identify patients who need additional treatment. Previous studies have shown that the cancer cells of cervical cancer patients display numerous genetic changes, but their importance for disease progression and treatment resistance has not been clear.
The authors, led by Heidi Lyng, examined more than 140 patients diagnosed and treated at the Norwegian Radium Hospital. Through the use of screening methods that covered all genes in the human genome, the researchers report as their key finding the discovery of a set of biological processes that are known hallmarks of cancer associated with gains and losses of specific genes. Moreover, they identify novel loci associated with resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, and depict the genes involved.
This research represents an important step in understanding the development of cervical cancer, but the authors emphasize that the results need to be validated in independent patient cohorts before they can be considered for use in clinical decision making.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The study was supported by The National Programme for Research in Functional Genomics (FUGE) in the Research Council of Norway, The Norwegian Cancer Society, and the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
CITATION: Lando M, Holden M, Bergersen LC, Svendsrud DH, Stokke T, et al. (2009) Gene Dosage, Expression, and Ontology Analysis Identifies Driver Genes in the Carcinogenesis and Chemoradioresistance of Cervical Cancer. PLoS Genet 5(11): e1000719. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1000719
IN YOUR COVERAGE, PLEASE USE THIS URL TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE FREELY AVAILABLE ARTICLE (the link will be live as soon as the embargo ends): http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pgen.1000719
CONTACT: Heidi Lyng
Norwegian Radium Hospital
Department of Radiation Biology
Montebello
Oslo, 0310
Norway
+4722934258
+4722934270 (fax)
heidi.lyng@rr-research.no
Disclaimer
This press release refers to an upcoming article in PLoS Genetics. The release is provided by the article authors and their institutions. Any opinions expressed in this release or article are the personal views of the journal staff and/or article contributors, and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of PLoS. PLoS expressly disclaims any and all warranties and liability in connection with the information found in the releases and articles and your use of such information.
About PLoS Genetics
PLoS Genetics (http://www.plosgenetics.org) reflects the full breadth and interdisciplinary nature of genetics and genomics research by publishing outstanding original contributions in all areas of biology.
About the Public Library of Science
The Public Library of Science (PLoS) is a non-profit organization of scientists and physicians committed to making the world's scientific and medical literature a freely available public resource. For more information, visit http://www.plos.org.
Journal
PLoS Genetics