Reduced RAD9A Expression in Childhood Cancer Survivors with Second Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Weis Eva, Schoen Holger, Victor Anja, Spix Claudia, Ludwig Marco, Schneider-Raetzke Brigitte, Kohlschmidt Nicolai, Bartsch Oliver, Gerhold-Ay Aslihan, Boehm Nils, Grus Franz, Haaf Thomas, Galetzka Danuta
Primary Institution: Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
Hypothesis
Modulations in the expression of cell cycle control and DNA repair genes are associated with secondary cancer in childhood cancer survivors.
Conclusion
The study found that lower levels of RAD9A and other DNA repair proteins in childhood cancer survivors with a second cancer may contribute to their increased risk of developing a second malignancy.
Supporting Evidence
- RAD9A protein levels were significantly lower in two-cancer patients compared to one-cancer patients.
- Constitutive RAD9A mRNA levels were reduced by 2.40 times in two-cancer patients.
- Six out of nineteen DNA repair-associated proteins showed lower levels in two-cancer patients.
Takeaway
Kids who survive cancer might get another cancer later because their bodies don't fix DNA damage as well, especially a protein called RAD9A.
Methodology
The study compared primary fibroblasts from 20 childhood cancer survivors with second cancers to 20 matched controls without second cancers, analyzing DNA repair protein levels using antibody microarrays.
Potential Biases
There may be bias in the distribution of primary and secondary cancers among the recruited patients.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and potential bias in patient selection, as not all contacted patients agreed to participate.
Participant Demographics
Participants were childhood cancer survivors, aged 18 or older, with a mean age of 16.7 years at second cancer diagnosis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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