Science Magazine Features Latest Gene Discovery Supported By EIF's NCCRA

Scientists led by Bert Vogelstein, MD, at the John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have uncovered the first genetic mutation among a family of genes studied for more than a decade.

EIF's NCCRA medical advisors were among the scientists who identified the mutated gene - PIK3CA - and clarified its role in colon cancer development. This notable discovery is featured in the March 11 online issue of Science.

The PIK3CA mutation was found in 32 percent of colon cancer cases. Researchers believe this mutation may occur at or near the time the tumor is about to invade other tissues. The PIK3CA mutation increases the activity of certain enzymes (or kinases) that then set off a chain of events leading to uncontrollable cell growth.

EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance is pleased to provide grant funding to two researchers involved in this breakthrough study - Dr. Vogelstein and Sanford Markowitz, MD, with Ireland Cancer Center-University Hospitals Health System. This discovery is especially encouraging because recent drug developments that inhibit kinase activity have proved to be effective at targeting and battling certain cancers (leukemia and breast cancer).

For more information, please visit:
http://www.hopkinskimmelcancercenter.org/news/

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Contact:
Judi Ketcik
EIF's NCCRA
(818) 760-7722
jketcik@eifoundation.org