Study finds genetic link to lung cancer in smokers

Published on Thursday 20 August 2009 20:45

NEW evidence has emerged that inherited genes can increase a smoker's risk of lung cancer.

Scientists who scanned the genetic codes of more than 7,000 people identified three "letter changes" that were more common in lung cancer patients.

The study, led by Professor Richard Houlston of the Institute of Cancer Research, found that current or former smokers with two copies of each variant had an 80 per cent increased risk of lung cancer. Those with one copy of each had a 28 per cent higher risk. Non-smokers also had the variants, but were not affected in the same way.

The alterations are located in a family of genes that influence smoking behaviour and tobacco consumption, said the scientists. They also have an effect on cell growth and cell death.

Study leader Professor Richard Houlston, of the Institute of Cancer Research, in London and Surrey, said: "This research confirms work done at the ICR and elsewhere that has implicated these areas in lung cancer risk and the type that develops. The next step is to dig deeper to pinpoint which genes in these regions cause the increased risk of developing lung cancer and how they trigger this increase."

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, said: "Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer, causing nine out of ten cases of the disease.

"This research shows that inherited genetic variation accounts for some of this risk."