Embargo date Nov 12 2013, 22:00 GMT - New study shows that cancer can be detected early
‘Earlier detection of cancer’ shown in new study from University College London
A new study, funded by The Eve Appeal and published this week in the open access journal PLOS Medicine[i], has the potential to change the cancer landscape by being able to accurately identify individuals with early stage womb cancer using easily accessible body fluids.
By collecting swabs from the entrance to the womb – a similar technique to that used in cervical screening – genetic material can be easily analysed for pre-cancer/cancer without the need for an invasive womb biopsy.
How does this work?
Epigenetic[ii] changes to the HAND2 gene have, for the first time by the team of researchers, been shown to play a critical role in the development of womb cancer. HAND2 is active in the healthy womb lining where it prevents the growth-inducing effects of oestrogen. By contrast, in more than 90% of womb cancers, the HAND2 gene has undergone epigenetic changes – that effectively turns it off – leading to cancer-prone tissue.
These epigenetic changes offer the opportunity to detect endometrial cancer much easier and potentially also earlier. Worryingly, womb cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer, particularly in the wake of the current ageing and obesity epidemics.
The researchers suggest - after additional trials have confirmed these results - that this technique can be used as a test, or to screen women for womb cancer. Early detection will save lives.
Further information:
Robert Marsh, CEO, The Eve Appeal, Tel: 020 7605 0151/ 07801 443749 Robert.marsh@eveappeal.org.uk
Liz Engel, Press Office, The Eve Appeal, Tel: 020 7605 0100 / 07812 150832 liz.engel@eveappeal.org.uk
www.eveappeal.org.uk
Notes to Editors
Please contact Liz Engel to arrange an interview with an expert or case study – 07812 150832 or 020 7605 0100
About The Eve Appeal
The Eve Appeal was publicly launched in 2005 to help save women’s lives by funding research into gynaecological cancers and raising awareness of the diseases. To date The Eve Appeal has donated over £5 million to research but there is still much to do. Much of the research work now under way will not be completed for some years and continued funding is essential if its early promise is to be fulfilled.
For the future The Eve Appeal continues to work towards its vision of a world where fewer women develop and significantly more women survive gynaecological cancers.
[i] http://www.plos.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/plme-10-11-Widschwendter.pdf
[ii] Aside from genes that are known to predispose some individuals to cancer there is growing evidence that environmental exposures, even before we are born and throughout the rest of our lives, can influence our predisposition for disease. Specific life events and exposures are ‘recorded’ in our cells by a biological process known as ‘epigenetics’, as they in turn cause a biological response.
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