16 February
2005
The
University of Cambridge, Cancer Research Technology, Cancer
Research UK and Perlegen Sciences Collaborate to Analyse
Thousands of DNA Samples from Breast Cancer Patients
Massive
200 Million Genotype Study Will Search Across Entire Genome
for Genetic Causes of Breast Cancer
The
University of Cambridge, Cancer Research Technology, Cancer
Research UK and Perlegen Sciences, Inc. announced today
that they will be collaborating to conduct a high-resolution,
whole genome association study on breast cancer. Scientists
will determine over 200 million individual genotypes in
DNA samples collected from patients to further elucidate
the genetic basis of the disease with which over one million
individuals worldwide are diagnosed annually.
The
study's initial results will be validated by analysis of
thousands of additional samples coordinated by the researchers
at University of Cambridge through a variety of clinical
collaborators. As the most comprehensive search ever
conducted into the genetic basis of breast cancer, this
project may help to identify more precisely women at high
risk of the disease, and may ultimately lead to improvements
in the prevention, earlier detection and treatment of breast
cancer. Funding for this research is being provided by Cancer
Research UK.
The
study will be a genome-wide scan for common predisposing
genetic variants that are associated with susceptibility
to breast cancer. Although each newly discovered genetic
variant may contribute in a modest way to the overall disease,
collectively they could explain a significant portion of
the variation in breast cancer risk in the population. Genetic
variants in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which predispose
strongly to breast cancer, have been identified previously,
but these are quite rare and account for less than 5% of
breast cancer cases. This new study hopes to provide a more
comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of breast
cancer.
The
DNA samples from patients were collected through a systematic
study of breast cancer in the Anglian region of the UK and
through clinical genetics centres in the UK. The study will
compare genetic variants in the DNA of breast cancer cases
with DNA from healthy women in the European Prospective
Investigation of Cancer ("EPIC") study of diet and cancer,
also coordinated at Cambridge. Perlegen Sciences will genotype
the anonymised samples to determine the genetic variation
in each sample.
"We
are pleased to be able to integrate the capabilities of
Cambridge and Perlegen through the funding support of Cancer
Research UK to conduct this study to further the knowledge
of the genetic basis of breast cancer" stated Prof.
Bruce Ponder, Cancer Research UK Department of Oncology
and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, Strangeways Laboratories,
University of Cambridge.
"
We are excited to be collaborating with the excellent team
at Cambridge on this important research in breast cancer"
stated Dr. David R. Cox, Chief Scientific Officer of Perlegen
Sciences. "Like many diseases, breast cancer susceptibility
may be the result of many genetic variants, each with a
relatively small effect, but collectively highly predictive."
"We
are pleased to be funding this genetic research for such
an important disease as breast cancer. Epidemiological studies
have demonstrated that, overall, the disease is approximately
twice as common in first degree relatives of breast cancer
patients. Gaining a greater understanding of the genetic
basis of this disease will aid in the fight against breast
cancer," stated Mr. Harpal Kumar, Chief Executive Officer
of Cancer Research Technology and Chief Operating Officer
of Cancer Research UK.
Dr
David Secher, Director of the Research Services Division
at the University of Cambridge said: "One in nine
women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer. We
hope that the collaboration between the four partners will
yield important insight into the disease and are pleased
to have been involved in negotiating this agreement."
About
the University of Cambridge
The
University of Cambridge 's reputation for outstanding academic
achievement is known worldwide and reflects the intellectual
achievement of its students, as well as the world-class
original research carried out by the staff of the University
and the Colleges.
As
Cambridge approaches its eight hundredth anniversary in
2009, it is looking to the future. It continues to change
in response to the challenges it faces. The modern University
is an international centre of teaching and research in a
vast range of subjects: about half of the students study
science or technology. Members of the University have won
over sixty Nobel Prizes.
The
University's Research Services Division provides a 'one
stop shop' supporting activities involved in research funding
and technology transfer. Staff of this division negotiate,
on behalf of the University, all contracts for research
collaborations.
Further
information about the University of Cambridge can be found
at www.cam.ac.uk
About
Cancer Research Technology Limited
Cancer
Research Technology Limited (CRT) is a specialist technology
transfer company which aims to develop new discoveries in
cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT
is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent
funder of cancer research in the world. CRT works closely
with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes
to protect intellectual property arising from their research
and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates
the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics,
vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies.
Further
information about CRT can be found at www.cancertechnology.com
About
Cancer Research UK
Cancer
Research UK is Europe 's leading cancer charity, dedicated
to research into the causes, prevention and treatment of
cancer. The charity supports the work of 3,000 scientists,
doctors and nurses in over 80 academic centres across the
UK, with an annual scientific spend of more than £213
million. Cancer Research UK is the European leader in the
development of novel anti-cancer treatments; from their
discovery at the laboratory bench to early clinical trials
in cancer patients.
Further
information about Cancer Research UK can be found at www.cancerresearchuk.org
About
Perlegen Sciences
Perlegen
Sciences, Inc. is working to provide safe and effective
medicines to the world. The company quickly and cost effectively
analyzes millions of genetic variations in DNA samples obtained
from clinical trial participants. This information
is used to explain and predict the efficacy and adverse
effect profiles of prescription drugs. Perlegen also applies
this expertise to discovering genetic variants associated
with disease for potential new therapeutics and diagnostics.
For years, scientists and drug manufacturers have been eager
to comprehensively examine entire genomes; through Perlegen,
this is now possible. Perlegen is able to bring drugs to
the market wherein clinical development could have been
otherwise discontinued.
Based
in Mountain View, California, Perlegen was formed in late
2000 as a spin-off from Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX).
For more information about the company and its technologies,
visit Perlegen's website at www.perlegen.com.
Perlegen Sciences, Perlegen, and the Perlegen logo are trademarks
of Perlegen Sciences, Inc.
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