Studies of Radiation Sensitivity in Breast Cancer Cases
Section: Section of Cancer Genetics
Inherited susceptibility to late adverse effects of radiation therapy
Variation between patients in genetically regulated responses is postulated to account for differences between individuals in the severity of late complications after curative radiotherapy. Understanding the processes at a molecular level is expected to underpin future advances in normal tissue response prediction and modulation. In collaboration with Professor John Yarnold, we are collecting samples from breast cancer cases treated with radiotherapy that have been subject to detailed prospective review of radiation effects. We are comparing the frequency of sequence variants in candidate genes in cases with severe radiosensitivity and those with normal responses. Ultimately we will undertake genome-wide SNP analyses in severe responders and controls to identify SNPs that might predispose to radiation sensitivity. These variants will then be evaluated in larger series.
Expression profiling in radiation sensitive cases vs controls
In collaboration with John Yarnold we are collecting lymphoblastoid cell lines and fibroblasts from 20 cases with severe late adverse effects to radiation therapy and matched controls. We are planning to undertake genome-wide expression profiling of baseline cells and after exposure to ionising radiation. This may identify genes and/or pathways that are differentially regulated in radiosensitive cases.
In the Section of Cancer Genetics
