UroToday.com - Bladder cancer is a common GU tumor that has clear genetic basis regarding formation and progression. Chromosomal abnormalities on 5, 7, and 9 have been associated with tumor formation and or progression. These authors evaluated the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and bladder cancer risk and case survival. The authors used a panel of SNPs in potential cancer regulatory pathways, including cell cycle, cell growth, detoxification, telomerase, and apoptosis. They ranked causative or survival-associated single gene and multi-gene-combinations using a large, population-based case-control study in New Hampshire, USA.

There were 832 cancer patients and 1,191 controls. The vast majority had non-invasive bladder cancer. 1,421 SNPs were evaluated, representing 400 cancer related genes. Bladder cancer risk was associated with altered genes in detoxification (GSTZ1_02 and pG42R), PAH metabolism (AKR1C3_35), pigmentation (TYR_02), lipid metabolism (SCARB1_03), and metabolism (SLC23A1_05). Altered genes associated with bladder cancer survival included surface antigens (CD80_04), apoptosis (BCL2L1_03 and CASP9), detoxification (EPHX1_15), and DNA repair (ERCC4_01).

The occurrence and prognosis for bladder cancer is most likely controlled by a combination of multiple genetic factors and exposures, rather than a single polymorphism. However, this well done study has identified genetic alterations that can be assessed in population-based studies to identify individuals at higher risk for the formation and progression of bladder cancer.

Andrew AS, Gui J, Sanderson AC, Mason RA, Morlock EV, Schned AR, Kelsey KT, Marsit CJ, Moore JH, Karagas MR
Hum Genet. 2009 Mar 1. Epub ahead of print.
doi:10.1007/s00439-009-0645-6

Written by UroToday.com Contributing Editor David P. Wood, MD

UroToday - the only urology website with original content written by global urology key opinion leaders actively engaged in clinical practice.

To access the latest urology news releases from UroToday, go to: www.urotoday.com

Copyright © 2009 - UroToday