New Breast Cancer Genetic Discovery

New Breast Cancer Genetic Discovery

Scientists have now discovered the gene they believe is mainly responsible for spreading a common type of breast cancer to other parts of the body.  The new gene is called C35. Scientists in Scotland identified the gene and discovered that it plays a major part in spreading HER2 positive breast cancer throughout the body.  HER2 type breast cancer is common, about 1 in 5 of all breast cancers.  The spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body often means a worse prognosis and increased disease recurrence rates.  This new discovery is important because researchers can now try to find treatments targeted at this specific gene.