Other highlights in the J...( n Two genetic mutations may not ...)

Two genetic mutations may not increase the risk of blood clots in women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention. High body mass index and tamoxifen use have been associated with an increased risk of blood clots. Neil Abramson, M.D., and colleagues at the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast/Bowel Project examined the FVL and PT20210 mutations and the risk of blood clotting in healthy women, half of whom took tamoxifen and the other half a placebo.

Contact: Neil Abramson, abrm1h@bellsouth.net

A Common Gene Variation May Affect Breast Cancer Survival

A genetic variation called SNP309 in the promoter region of the MDM2 gene can change the function of the tumor suppressor p53 and may impact breast cancer patients' survival. Stefan Ambs, Ph.D., of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., and colleagues studied SNP309 in 293 breast cancer patients and 317 controls. They observed an interaction between the SNP309 genetic variation and the tumor's p53 status, and found that the p53 status (normal vs. mutant) is associated with survival in women with the common variation of SNP309 but not the variant form of SNP309.

Contact: NCI Press Officers, 301-496-6641, NCIPressOfficers@mail.nih.gov

Also in the July 5 JNCI:

• Design of Nonpeptidic Topomimetics of Antiangiogenic Proteins With Antitumor Activities
  

• Childhood Cancer Survivors Are More Likely to Go Through Early Menopause: http://www.eurekalert.org/emb_releases/2006-07/jotn-ccs062906.php
  

• Chornobyl Radiation Ups Risk of Thyroid Cancer in Children and Adolescents: http://www.eurekalert.org/emb_releases/2006-07/jotn-cru0
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