Nerve Cancer Mutation Found in Children

Researchers have identified genetic mutations that underlie nervous system childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. Mutations which became the main determinant behind the disease, and also strongly associated with diseases resulting in death.


This mutation involves a gene called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is associated with a high risk of developing other types of cancer, including lung cancer.

Some companies are trying to develop drugs that can inhibit the ALK protein to treat cancer. The latest research results presented Yael Mosse of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine suggests a kind of deterrent that complements neuroblastoma therapy.

Neuroblastoma is the most common form of cancer that has not been too virulent, causing 15% of cancer deaths in children. The disease is so mysterious, some children who suffer from nervous system cancer neuroblastoma cured spontaneously, while children who suffer from other types of cancer cannot be cured.

Children who are in this latter category are usually suffering from a malignant cancer that is difficult to cure.

Neuroblastoma is inherited, while the remaining cancer cases arise spontaneously. Mosee and his partner tried to look at the origins of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene by studying the offspring in the family, at least four family members who have neuroblastoma. In parts of their bodies, found chromosome associated with cancer.

There counted 104 genes in the body, but two more genes associated with other types of cancer, namely ALK and other genes called MYCN. The researchers set about both genes and found mutations in ALK. The results of this new research published this week at a meeting at the American Association for Cancer Research, based in San Diego, California.

This is an important finding, said Susan Cohn, pediatric oncologist at the University of Chicago who studies neuroblastoma. "Especially for patients who desperately need more effective therapies," he said.

Cohn says this is like anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein that will complement the clinical usefulness to overcome neuroblastoma. But it should be noted, further research is needed to determine the type of protein. In addition, the results may produce a disease of genetic tests that can be used to treat you.