As a result of analyzing the genetic information of approximately 1,500 patients with gastric cancer around the world, it was found that there is a genetic mutation that occurs when people who have a constitution that is difficult to break down alcohol in their body drink alcohol. , a research team from the National Cancer Center and others announced that it may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.
This is the first time in the world that the association between alcohol consumption and "diffuse-type stomach cancer" has been shown by analysis of genetic information.
"Diffuse gastric cancer" accounts for 30% of all gastric cancers, but it is known to be difficult to treat because the tumor spreads in a scattered manner, such as scirrhous gastric cancer.
A group led by Dr. Tatsuhiro Shibata, director of the National Cancer Center Research Institute, conducted a large-scale analysis of the genetic information of approximately 1,500 gastric cancer patients around the world, searching for mutations in genes associated with gastric cancer. .
As a result, it was found that a mutation in the SBS16 gene, which occurs when people with a constitution that makes it difficult to break down alcohol in their body drink alcohol, is associated with another gene mutation that increases the risk of developing diffuse-type gastric cancer. I was.
The group says that it has been shown that genetic mutations caused by drinking induce mutations in genes that increase the risk of onset, leading to diffuse-type gastric cancer.
It is the first time in the world that the association between diffuse-type gastric cancer and alcohol consumption has been shown by analysis of genetic information, and it is expected that it will lead to the development of preventive methods and new treatment methods in the future.
Dr. Shibata says, "In order to use it for prevention, it is necessary to clarify how much alcohol is dangerous. I would like to further advance detailed analysis and research."