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The search for the genes responsible for many complex genetic diseases is well under way and has already been successful in some cases. The study of cancer as a complex genetic disease has lagged behind other conditions, largely because of particular problems that are associated with malignant disease. Cancer also, however, presents specific opportunities for gene identification, which are not found in many other diseases. While the methods of genetic mapping and gene cloning used for other complex diseases will be applied to cancer, these must almost certainly be complemented by other methods, such as the study of somatic mutations, cancer associated phenotypes, and modifier genes for Mendelian cancers. Here, we review the strategies available for identifying cancer predisposition genes of low and moderate penetrance.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/jmg.37.3.161

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Med Genet

Publication Date

03/2000

Volume

37

Pages

161 - 167

Keywords

Animals, Chromosome Mapping, Disease Models, Animal, Genetic Linkage, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Humans, Mutation, Neoplasms, Penetrance, Phenotype