Mutations in ATM, Radiation Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk Among Black and White Women.
Abstract
Predisposition to breast cancer is inherited as a genetic trait in some families. Thus far, a few highly penetrant genes responsible for inherited breast cancer have been identified. An important and unresolved question of breast cancer etiology is whether there are other genes which have a more moderate effect on breast cancer risk, possibly triggering disease only in the presence of specific environmental exposures, and possibly involving more women than do other, highly penetrant mutations. It has been suggested that mutations in the Ataxia- Telangiectasia gene (ATM) and radiation exposure could be involved with breast cancer in this manner. In order to address this question, we are screening a series of breast cancer patients for mutations in the ATM gene. This series of patients was selected for either radiation exposure, radiation sensitivity, inheritance of a single ATM allele through multiple affected members of a family, or having a child with Ataxia-Telangiectasia. This study will detect potential mutations in the ATM gene which confer breast cancer risk, particularly mutations which may lead to radiation sensitivity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA334433
Entities
People
- Elizabeth Schubert
Organizations
- University of Washington