Genes may alter esophageal cancer risk

HOUSTON, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. cancer scientists say they have found variations in a common gene pathway can affect esophageal cancer risk.

University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center scientists said their study is the first to look at the association between genetic variations related to microRNAs and esophageal cancer.

"Previous research has shown miRNAs control approximately one-third of human genes and may play a part in cancer risk," said Dr. Xifeng Wu, the study's lead author. "But whether genetic variants of miRNA-related genes influence esophageal cancer has largely remained unknown."

The researchers said they found seven genotypes were significantly associated with esophageal cancer risk, and four more showed at least a borderline significance. The risk of esophageal cancer became higher in correlation to an increase in the number of the unfavorable genotypes present.

"This research showed not only that a single gene contributes to the risk of esophageal cancer, but more importantly that the joint effect of several genetic elements can increase risk," said Yuanqing Ye, the study's first author.

Officials said esophageal cancer ranks sixth in cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it is becoming more common.

The research appears in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.