Monday February 18, 2013, 10:05 am
Israeli researchers have developed a test that can predict if healthy women are at a significant risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Using a blood test, the researchers from Hadassah Medical Center were able to identify the presence of a harmful mutation, which may trigger those types of cancers in women.

The test, which was developed using a technology called gene expression profiling, is able to predict the presence of harmful BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in otherwise healthy women.

“This novel technology aims to provide a layer of information regarding the cell functionality aspect of BRCA mutations that could greatly enhance the doctor’s ability to identify high-risk carriers,” explains Dr. Asher Salmon, who led the research team.

The new test will require less resources. Until the present the only means of detecting such mutations was by doing a full gene sequencing, but Dr. Salmon said the process is “expensive, time consuming and, in many cases, lacks clear and decisive information for making a clinical decision.”

According to Salmon, the test can reveal many different types of harmful mutations. “In societies where gene sequencing is not feasible, this test can substitute for it with a very high accuracy rate,” Salmon explains.

The Israeli research team reported their findings in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Monday February 18, 2013, 2:08 pm
this sounds like a start....but unfortunately it won't be enough to detect all the non-BRCA caused cancers.......

Monday February 18, 2013, 2:43 pm
Once again, thank you Israel for you dedication to preserving human life.

Monday February 18, 2013, 3:48 pm
THANK YOU ISRAEL

Monday February 18, 2013, 4:15 pm
Here AGAIN.....Israel leads the way!! This is wonderful news!!! Thanks Beth!

Monday February 18, 2013, 4:43 pm
Thanks

Monday February 18, 2013, 11:12 pm
thanks Beth that's great news!

Tuesday February 19, 2013, 12:30 am
This is great news for all women. It may not detect all cancers, but it is a good start, and who knows, maybe it will lead to more discoveries.

Tuesday February 19, 2013, 12:43 am
We never stop being amazed at how much benefit to all humanity comes out of this little country - far in excess of its size. Great, thanks.

Tuesday February 19, 2013, 6:35 pm
Thanks!

Tuesday February 19, 2013, 10:28 pm
My mother passed away almost 16 years ago from ovarian cancer. It was not discovered until too late. I'm naturally interested in any tests that could help me or other women to be diagnosed earlier.i

Wednesday February 20, 2013, 3:18 am
noted, great news

Wednesday February 20, 2013, 12:45 pm
Thanks.

Wednesday February 20, 2013, 5:00 pm
Wow thanks Beth

Saturday February 23, 2013, 2:36 am
Thanks .