Genetic pancreatic cancer risk discovery could lead to better screening

Mutations in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene may increase the risk for pancreatic cancer, according to new data. Researchers used the latest sequencing, including whole genome and whole exome analyses, to identify ATM gene mutations in two relatives with familial pancreatic cancer. These initial findings were then examined in a larger pool of patients. The ATM mutation was present in four of 166 subjects with pancreatic cancer but absent in 190 control subjects. Knowledge of this genetic risk could help develop better screening for the deadly disease. Currently, there are no recommended screening tests for pancreatic cancer, even though it is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death and less than 5 percent of those diagnosed survive for more than five years.