Scientists have made a key breakthrough in the search for a better treatment for bone marrow cancer.
For the first time they have identified the genes responsible for an aggressive form of the disease, called multiple myeloma.
Having the genes can increase a person's the risk of developing the condition by 30 per cent, a study has revealed.
It was already known that relatives of those suffering from the incurable cancer were at increased risk, but until now, no responsible gene had been identified.
It is now hoped the discovery will prompt improvements in diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) used a technique called a genome wide association study to scan the DNA of 1,675 patients with multiple myeloma.
The same process was also carried out on around 5,900 healthy people.
When results were compared scientists discovered that two regions of the DNA that were more common in people with multiple myeloma and were therefore linked to a higher chance of developing the disease.
Professor Gareth Morgan from the ICR and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust said that the findings, published in the online journal Nature Genetics, are particularly important as the disease becomes more prevalent among an aging population.
He said: 'Multiple myeloma is an aggressive cancer that sadly has poor survival rates.
'By learning more about the biology of multiple myeloma development, we hope to identify new drug targets - or even existing drugs - that could improve patient outcomes.
'Multiple myeloma is becoming more common as the population ages, and so it is even more important that we find new treatments.'
Myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer which affects the plasma cells inside the bone marrow, which are an important part of the immune system.
Usually it doesn't exist as a lump or tumour and it is only when symptoms such as bone pain and fractures occur that a diagnosis is given.
Currently there is no cure, but treatments such as chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation can control progression of the cancer.
Eric Low, chief executive of Myeloma UK, said: 'Understanding the biological and genetic basis for the onset and progression of myeloma is extremely important and will lead to better screening, earlier diagnosis and treatment in the future.'
Every year in the UK, it's estimated that multiple myeloma affects 60-70 in every million people with the average patient surviving three to five years despite receiving intensive treatment.
source: dailymail.co.uk
