Studies of Testicular Germ Cell Tumour Susceptibility
Testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) is the most common cancer in men aged 15–45 years and affects nearly 2,000 men in the UK per year. Family history is an important risk factor for the disease. If a man has a brother who has suffered testicular cancer, his risk of developing the disease is 8–10 fold increased compared to a man without any family history of disease. This risk is much higher than the equivalent risks for most other cancer types (typically 2–3 fold elevated). These observations indicate that genes are important in causing testicular cancer.
We have previously identified six genomic regions and more recently an additional nine genomic regions associated with testicular cancer. These, in conjunction with regions identified in international collaborative experiments to which we have contributed, bring the total number of regions identified to eighteen. We aim to identify further regions of the genome associated with testicular cancer and additionally to use new technologies to sequence many thousands of genes in order to identify the genes involved in causing testicular cancer.
UK Genetics of Testicular Cancer Study
MREC: 06/MRE06/41
We are now recruiting all cases of testicular cancer through the UK Genetics of Testicular Cancer Study.
This includes cases of testicular cancer with a family history of the disease and those without a history.
We have recruited 3,000 men to this study and aim to increase this number to 10,000. The blood samples and information from men involved, are used in studies to identify testicular cancer predisposition genes.
Any man who has had testicular cancer and has completed his treatment can participate in this study. Participation in the study simply requires the man to:
1. Provide a blood sample.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about himself and his family.
If you would like more information about the study, download the Patient Information Sheet. If you are interested in participating, contact the study coordinator, Darshna Dudakia, who can provide additional information. Alternatively, phone the research team on 0208 722 4283.
Study Coordinator email: [email protected]
Information sheet
References
Rapley, E.A. et al. A genome-wide association study of testicular germ cell tumor. Nat. Genet. 41, 807-810 (2009)
Turnbull, C. et al. Variants near DMRT1, TERT and ATF7IP are associated with testicular germ cell cancer. Nat. Genet. 42, 604-607 (2010)
Ruark, E. et al. Identification of nine new susceptibility loci for testicular cancer, including variants near DAZL and PRDM14. Nat. Genet. (2013)
Schumacher, F. et al. Testicular germ cell tumor susceptibility associated with the UCK2 locus on chromosome 1q23. Hum Mol Genet (2013)
Chung, C. et al. Meta-analysis identifies four new loci associated with testicular germ cell tumor. Nat. Genet. (2013)
Genetics of Multiple Cancers Study
The aim of the Genetics of Multiple Cancers Study (GeMCaS) is to collect biological samples and clinical data from individuals who have had two or more primary cancers. This will help us to identify, and better understand, the genetic factors that predispose to the development of multiple tumours. In turn, this will facilitate diagnosis and risk evaluation and will enable the development of guidelines for management of individuals and families at increased risk of developing cancer.
Study coordinator email: [email protected]