- THURSDAY, Aug. 7 (HealthDay News) — Two genes linked to breast,
thyroid and kidney cancer have been identified by Cleveland Clinic
researchers. The discovery of the genes SDHB and SDHD could help improve
early detection of these cancers and boost patients' chances of survival.

In addition, the researchers said their finding could improve screening
and treatment of patients with Cowden Syndrome (CS) and CS-like disease,
which are difficult-to-recognize conditions that lead to a high risk of
developing breast, thyroid and other cancers.

Normally, a gene called PTEN acts to suppress cancers. Mutations in
PTEN determine susceptibility to CS, but some people with normal PTEN
still develop CS, according to background information in a clinic news
release.

The reseaqrchers identified SDHB and SDHD as markers of CS
susceptibility in people with normal PTEN. In fact, mutations in these
genes confer a higher risk of breast, thyroid and kidney cancers than PTEN
mutations for individuals with dysfunctional PTEN, the researchers
said.

“Clinicians should consider SDH testing for patients who have a strong
personal history and/or family history of breast, thyroid and/or kidney
cancers especially when their PTEN is normal. Patients with SDH mutations
should be more rigorously screened for these cancers,” lead researcher Dr.
Chris Eng said in the news release.

Rigorous screening may reveal cancer at a earlier, more treatable
stage.

The study is published in the Aug. 8 issue of The American Journal
of Human Genetics.

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about gene testing and cancer.