FP6-2004-LIFESCIHEALTH-5 Specific Targeted Research Project

• Main Author: Overall Objective
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Iceland
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.186.9780; http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/4012/polygene.pdf

In this proposal, we will study the genetic underpinnings of two inherited cancers, of prostate in men and breast in women. We will probe the association between common polymorphisms in a large number of candidate cancer susceptibility genes and the risk of breast and prostate cancer. Furthermore, we will develop computational and statistical methods that center on the analysis of genetic data from studies of complex diseases. To maximize our likelihood of success, we have chosen to study two European populations with different genetic backgrounds, the homogeneous, well defined population of Iceland and the more mixed population of the Netherlands. The collection of accurate clinical information allows the definition of different clinical phenotypes which is of crucial importance in genetic studies of complex diseases like breast and prostate cancer. The long-term objective of the study is to gain an increased understanding of the genetic underpinnings of the various forms of breast and prostate cancer which may in turn lead to more effective risk assessment, increase the efficiency of screening programs and lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. State of the art Cancer is a complex disease where genetic and environmental factors both play a role. The genetic contribution to the development of cancer has been intensely debated in recent years. While it is clear