1] Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London SW2 5NG, UK. [2] Cancer Genetics Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital Foundation Trust, London SM2 5PT, UK.
Nature. 2014 Jan 16;505(7483):302-8. doi: 10.1038/nature12981.
Genes in which germline mutations confer highly or moderately increased risks of cancer are called cancer predisposition genes. More than 100 of these genes have been identified, providing important scientific insights in many areas, particularly the mechanisms of cancer causation. Moreover, clinical utilization of cancer predisposition genes has had a substantial impact on diagnosis, optimized management and prevention of cancer. The recent transformative advances in DNA sequencing hold the promise of many more cancer predisposition gene discoveries, and greater and broader clinical applications. However, there is also considerable potential for incorrect inferences and inappropriate clinical applications. Realizing the promise of cancer predisposition genes for science and medicine will thus require careful navigation.
种系基因突变赋予个体高度或中度癌症风险的基因被称为癌症易感基因。已经发现了 100 多种此类基因,这些基因在许多领域提供了重要的科学见解,尤其是在癌症发病机制方面。此外,癌症易感基因的临床应用对癌症的诊断、优化管理和预防产生了重大影响。最近 DNA 测序的突破性进展有望发现更多的癌症易感基因,并带来更广泛的临床应用。然而,也存在着错误推断和不适当的临床应用的巨大风险。因此,为了科学和医学的发展,要充分发挥癌症易感基因的潜力,就需要谨慎地进行探索。