Research Study
Studies of Testicular Germ Cell Tumour Susceptibility
Testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) is the most common cancer in men aged 15–45 years and affects nearly 2,000 men in the UK per year. Family history is an important risk factor for the disease. If a man has a brother who has suffered testicular cancer, his risk of developing the disease is 8-10 fold increased compared to a man without any family history of disease. This risk is much higher than the equivalent risks for most other cancer types (typically 2-3 fold elevated). These observations indicate that genes are important in causing testicular cancer.
We have recently identified six genomic regions associated with testicular cancer. We aim to identify further regions of the genome associated with testicular cancer and additionally to use new technologies to sequence many thousands of genes in order to identify the genes involved in causing testicular cancer.
UK Genetics of Testicular Study
MREC: 06/MRE06/41
We are now recruiting all cases of testicular cancer through the UK Genetics of Testicular Study. This includes cases of testicular cancer with a family history of the disease and those without a history.
We have recruited 1,700 men to this study and aim to increase this number to 3,000. The blood samples and information from men involved, are used in studies to identify testicular cancer predisposition genes.
Any man who has had testicular cancer and has completed his treatment can participate in this study. Participation in the study simply requires the man to:
1. Provide a blood sample.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about himself and his family.
If you would like more information about the study, download the Patient Information Sheet. If you are interested in participating, contact the study coordinator, who can provide additional information. Alternatively, phone the research team on 0208 722 4053.
References
- Rapley, E.A. et al. A genome-wide association study of testicular germ cell tumor. Nat. Genet. 41, 807-810 (2009).
- Turnball, C. et al. Variants near DMRT1, TERT and ATF7IP are associated with testicular germ cell cancer. Nat. Genet. 42, 604-607 (2010).
Research Studies
We use multiple different technologies and study a variety of cancers, particularly breast cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer and childhood cancers.
