Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others
New research published in Nature provides evidence that inherited genetic makeup significantly influences an individual's susceptibility to cancer from environmental factors like smoking and UV rays. This discovery suggests that future cancer treatments should be more personalized based on a patient's unique genetic background.
Why it matters
Understanding the interplay between genetics and environment could revolutionize cancer prevention strategies and the efficacy of targeted medical treatments.
Scientists have found the first direct evidence of the powerful role our genetic makeup plays in influencing our risk of cancer, with inherited genes interacting with acquired genetic mutations to shape how tumours evolve.
We’ve been able to show for the first time the extent to which genetic background influences both the mutation processes and the pathways leading to tumour development
The findings could explain why some people are more susceptible to cancer than others in the same environment and suggest that future cancer prevention and screening strategies may need to account more carefully for inherited genetics and population diversity.
The research, published today in Nature and carried out in mice, suggests that responses to DNA-damaging cancer treatments could differ depending on a patient's background genetics, strengthening the case for a more personalised approach to treatment.
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