Family Hereditary Lung Cancer Study

Researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine are conducting a research project funded by the National Cancer Institute to identify genes which may increase susceptibility to lung cancer.



 
 
 
 
 
 

  New Breakthrough - Lung Cancer Susceptibility Region found ! (Sept. 2004)
  Lung Cancer is the 3rd most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States and is the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide.  While it is well known that smoking causes lung cancer, there are individual differences in susceptibility to lung carcinogens. Findings of recent studies indicate that individuals with a family history of lung cancer are at an increased risk for developing this disease. 

  In the September 2004 issue of American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG,75(3):460-474,2004) researchers in the study consortium from around the country announced the most recent breakthrough.   They have discovered an inherited genetic region on the human chromosome number 6 that is linked with lung and other tobacco related cancers.  This discovery is the first major step in finding the underlying biological malfunctions for the most fatal form of cancer. 

 

   The actual gene itself has not been identified yet but narrowing the search for the gene by identifying this chromosome region is a major first step in locating the susceptibility gene (or genes).  This recent finding can be equated with the finding of the breast cancer susceptibility genes.  We knew for years that we have genes for breast cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2, but before they managed to located those genes, they had to start with chromosomal "susceptibility regions" that appeared to be linked to the disease.

  According to Dr. Ann Schwartz, Researcher and Professor of Internal Medicine at Wayne State University, "The next step in the project will be to pinpoint a specific gene responsible for lung cancer.  The discovery of genes for other types of cancer has led to better understanding of those diseases."  Such improved understanding will then lead to better forms of treatment and prevention.

For more info about this article click on link below:

GELC study - Dr. Ann Schwartz, Press Release
http://www.karmanos.org/view_news.asp?id=149

 
 
Wayne State University School of Medicine is actively searching for families in which  3 or more biologically related family members have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Locating these families will help cancer genetic researchers identify the gene or genes causing increased susceptibility to the development of lung cancer.
 
"Finding the genetic (hereditary) link involved in lung cancer susceptibility will help to further our understanding of the causes of lung cancer beyond smoking and other environmental exposures."

     ~Dr. Ann G. Schwartz, Ph.D., M.P.H.
 
 
 
 

Contact:
Cancer Genetic Research Study Coordinator: 
(Web Master)

Alicia Salkowski, M.S.
salkowsk@med.wayne.edu
          866-828-2339 Toll-Free
          313-578-4311 office
 

 

     Study Investigator:


Ann Schwartz, Ph.D., M.P.H.
schwarta@med.wayne.edu
Associate Center Director, Population Studies, Karmanos Cancer Institute
Director, Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System
Professor, Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine
 
 
 

 
THE LONG-TERM GOAL OF THIS STUDY IS:
To characterize lung cancer susceptibility genes in order to identify individuals who are predisposed to develop lung cancer.  This will provide a means to identify individuals and families at high risk for lung cancer and to create a strategy for the prevention, control, and clinical management of this disease.
What is required of participants and their participating family members:
  • Telephone interview
  • No physical exam
  • Mailed questionnaire(s), (demographics, medical history, smoking habits), and written confirmation of lung cancer diagnosis (medical pathology report or death certificate) of affected family members.
  • No travel to research center
  • One-time blood sample (we pay for blood draw services at your local clinic).
  • No expense to participants

 
 

Help on-going RESEARCH by clicking on:
Application To Join Research Study

Information you provide will be kept strictly confidential as provided by law.

***IMPORTANT NOTICE:  This site was created to inform families about our genetic research study only, we are NOT able to give medical or  treatment advice.  These questions should be directed to your physician.***

Links of Interest:

Study Newsletters:
Smoking Cessation Programs

Patient Support Group and Lung Cancer Education

Genetic Educational Links
 

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last revision:  02/06/2007 as