Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Children\u2019s have helped identify a previously unknown gene that increases the risk of developing osteosarcoma, the most common type of malignant bone tumor in children and young adults.<\/p>\n
Recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology<\/a>, researchers analyzed genetic information from nearly 6,000 children with cancer and compared it to more than 14,000 adults without cancer. Utilizing databases and prediction tools, the study authors focused on 189 genes that participate in several DNA repair pathways.<\/p>\n The results showed that some children with cancer had inherited changes in certain DNA repair genes, that may raise their risk of developing particular cancers. One gene in particular, SMARCAL1 was flagged as a significant risk factor for osteosarcoma. Approximately 2.6% of children with osteosarcoma carry these inherited mutations in SMARCAL1, which may weaken DNA repair and promote tumor growth.<\/p>\n \u201cThese findings not only deepen our biological understanding of osteosarcoma, but allows for earlier detection, and the potential for developing targeted treatments for this rare but aggressive cancer,\u201d said senior study author, Richa Sharma<\/a>, MD, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Children\u2019s. \u201cWith little progress in osteosarcoma treatment over the past 40 years, this discovery could pave the way for significant advancements in care for patients with this condition.\u201d<\/p>\n