New Gene Found in 30% of Breast Cancers

U.S. cancer researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute find the IKBKE gene is actively malfunctioning in one-third of women with breast cancer.

In contrast, other genetic basis for breast cancer are found in only 1/2 to 1 percent of women. Uniqueness extends to the fact that this gene is not inherited, but occurs during a woman's lifetime (therefore, not responsible for breast cancer in young women).

When the IKBKE gene was 'turned off' during the research study, the cancer cells died; thus showing the dependence of the cancer cells on IKBKE.

The findings of this study are significant, as it puts us one step closer to finding the cure for breast cancer.