Gene linked to throat cancer

A recent study by researchers in London and Japan identified a specific gene linked to throat cancer. For the duration of the study, the researchers followed ten members who developed the condition. The ATR gene found in humans was responsible for this phenomenon. If abnormalities were in the ATR gene were present, characteristics of hair loss, dilated vessels, and teeth and nail defects were also an indication of the caner nearing existence in the patient, and nearly all of the patients who developed throat cancer obtained those symptoms. To further conform the diagnosis, researchers took blood samples from the effected patients, and from patients that were unaffected. “Professor John McGrath from the King's College London Genetic Skin Disease Group at St John's Institute of Dermatology, based at Guy's Hospital, said: 'This is an intriguing study which not only provides a genetic explanation for an unusual syndrome, but also provides a unique novel insight into how the ATR gene may be associated with a specific form of cancer. It is a classic example of how we can use rare conditions to give us insight into more common diseases.” Now that the scientist know the gene that causes throat cancer, researchers can now look for specific solutions to correct the gene.