International Research Team Clones New Skin C...( were strangely similar to the birth de...)

The researchers found that individuals with NBCCS are born with a mutation of PTC in all of their cells. Further investigation revealed the same mutation in sporadic (noninherited) tumors, which account for the vast majority of basal cell carcinomas. In those tumors, the mutation was often caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.

Although NBCCS is rare, milder forms of genetic predisposition to skin cancer may be fairly common. Bale suggests genetic screening for those who have had more than two basal cell carcinomas to determine if they are genetically predisposed. 3Through a simple blood test, we can identify people who are cancer-prone,2 he noted. 3For those who are, more aggressive monitoring and preventive measures such as staying out of the sun and using sunscreen can be applied.2

Collaborating scientists included Michael Dean, Ph.D. from the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland, Brandon Wainwright, Ph.D. and Georgia Chenevix-Trench, Ph.D. from the University of Queensland and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Brisbane, Australia, and Rune Toftgard, Ph.D. from the Karolinska Institute in Huddinge, Sweden.

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Contact: Ilene Lefland
ilene.lefland@yale.edu
203-785-4097
Yale Cancer Center
1-Jul-1996