Researchers from the University of Manchester have identified the changes in a gene which can increase the chance of children getting a brain tumor. This is a rare condition that is inherited, called Gorlin syndrome. It has been shown that only 1 in 30,000 people have this syndrome. Normally, there is only a change in the PTCH1 gene, but new research has shown there is also a change in the SUFU gene. Children with the SUFU mutation are 20x more likely to develop a brain tumor. Dr. Miriam Smith stated "We have essentially found a new cause of Gorlin syndrome, but one that results in the specific outcome of a childhood brain tumor called medullablastoma in small children (medicalnewstoday.com)." Those with only the PTCH1 mutation only have a 2% risk of developing a brain tumor, but those with the SUFU mutation have a shockingly 33% risk of developing a tumor. Unfortunately, regardless of what gene mutation children have, they are scanned once a year up until the age of eight. In my opinion, it is never a good thing when someone is diagnosed with a brain tumor, but it is even harder hearing a child is sick. We can't choose the genes we are born with, so hopefully in the near future we can find a cure or treatment for this gene mutation to lessen the number of children who develop Gorlin syndrome.
Original article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/286271.php
Related article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249141.php
