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Blood test predicts cancer risk
A simple blood test can predict whether men are at heightened risk
for prostate and kidney cancer, researchers report.
Genetic tests typically look for potentially cancerous changes in
the cells nucleus, home to most of our DNA.But the test looks for
mutations in the mitochondrial DNA,according to research.
Mitochondria are often called the cells’ powerhouse:they produce
the energy needed for cells to function.They also contain a small
amount of DNA that is passed from mother to child.
Studies have linked nine suspected patterns in the genes of the
mitochondria of men with prostate and kidney cancer.
In the new study, they homed in the most likely candidate—a
genetic signature dubbed haplotype U.
The study included 121 men with kidney cancer, 221 men with
prostate cancer, and 246 men without cancer. All the men were
white Americans.
They found that haplotype U was present in 9.4% of the general
population but 16.7 % of prostate cancer patients and 2.0% of
kidney cancer patients.
This means that men who are white and who test positive for this
genetic signature are at about twice the risk of prostate and
kidney cancer as other white men.
The test is not yet available commercially, the test can be
performed, in any academic, clinical, or private lab.
If the test is positive, extra vigilance in screening for the
cancers is recommended.
One should have a serum PSA and digital rectal exam to look for
prostate cancer and a CT or ultrasound to look for signs of renal
cancer.
There’s no downside to having the test, it’s so low risk all one
needed is a drop of blood. If one is high risk, the confirmatory
testing will show that one really have cancer or not.
Other research says though the approach is really promising it’s
nowhere near ready for prime time. It still has to be validated in
a large number of people.
Eventually, though mitochondrial DNA testing may prove truly
useftil, they say.
