Gene Associated with Blood Cancer Myeloma

A recent study may show a connection between a gene that controls aging and an increased risk of a common type of blood cancer known as myeloma.

This type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow was estimated to be responsible for approximately 22,350 cases as of 2013. It can affect the bones in many parts of the body and is extremely painful. Roughly 30 percent of patients diagnosed with the disorder in the first year die from this health condition.

The study included a genetic analysis of over 4,600 people who had been diagnosed with the blood disorder along with nearly 11,000 who didn't have cancer.

While prior research had shown that three genetic variants of DNA could lead to a higher myeloma risk, four genetic variants were found near the genes and can be known to increase the development of the blood cancer.

The gene TERC commonly regulates the function of telomere caps that can be found on the ends of DNA strands. These protective caps help give genetic information to the chromosomes.

Researchers predict that other studies could help confirm the role of TERC in different therapies.

"Our study has taken an important step forward in understanding the genetics of myeloma, and suggested an intriguing potential link with a gene that acts as a cell's internal timer," said  Professor Richard Houlston, Professor of Molecular and Population Genetics at The Institute of Cancer Research, via a news release. "We know cancer often seems to ignore the usual controls over ageing and cell death, and it will be fascinating to explore whether in blood cancers that is a result of a direct genetic link. Eventually, understanding the complex genetics of blood cancers should allow us to assess a person's risk or identify new avenues for treatment."

More information regarding the study can be found in the journal Nature Genetics.