Researchers Identify Thousands of High-Risk Cancer Genes

Scientists have identified over 5,000 genetic variants in the BAP1 gene that increase the risk of developing cancers of the eye, lung lining, brain, skin, and kidney, potentially revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and treatment. This groundbreaking research, published in Nature Genetics, offers a promising therapeutic target for combating cancer. The findings, freely available, enable more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans globally, benefiting diverse ethnic backgrounds historically underrepresented in genetics research. Additionally, researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have mapped the outcomes of changes to the tumor-suppressing genes BAP1 and VHL, aiding in identifying patients at risk of kidney cancer and guiding targeted drug treatments.