"MAF" gene responsible for breast cancer bone metastasis

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JohnSmith
JohnSmith Member Posts: 651
edited September 2015 in Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results

There are currently no biomarkers for early breast cancer patient populations at risk of bone metastasis.
Researchers in Spain have uncovered substantial evidence that the "MAF" gene reliably predicts breast cancer bone metastasis.
According to the article, a clinical trial is already underway to determine which subset of patients is at risk.

Sources:
IRB Barcelona identifies the gene responsible for metastasis of breast cancer to the bone

Researchers identify the gene responsible for metastasis of breast cancer to the bone

Abstract (August 2015): Enhanced MAF Oncogene Expression and Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis

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Comments

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited September 2015

    Interesting! Thanks John Smith.

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  • JohnSmith
    JohnSmith Member Posts: 651
    edited September 2015

    Since I can't contribute to the Stage 4 section, perhaps someone else can alert others of this news by posting on the "Bone Mets Thread".

    The lead researcher, Dr. Roger Gomis, runs a lab focused on breast cancer tumor progression and metastasis.
    See his lab here, here and here.

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited September 2015

    "Bone metastasis is the only type of metastasis that can be controlled, but not cured, by drugs. Treatment is only given once the metastasis has been identified, which is normally too late. Preliminary studies indicate that the same drugs used to treat metastasis could also be used to prevent it, and identifying those patients at risk of developing bone metastasis is therefore very important."


    I wonder what drugs they are referring to - bisphosphonates maybe?

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2015

    Very interesting. Thanks for posting this. It seems like testing for this gene, combined with a test for circulating tumor cells, could mean to far fewer situations of bone mets being extensive by the time they're discovered. Of course, prevention would be even better. But very early findings = much better chances of achieving NED.

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