Genetic factors behind radiation-linked cancer in the opposite breast
The Genetic Epidemiology of Radiation-Associated Contralateral Breast Cancer
This project looks at how inherited genes change the chance of getting a new cancer in the other breast for people treated with radiation for a first breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328782 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses genetic data, treatment records, and biospecimens from thousands of women in the WECARE Study to find inherited gene changes that modify risk of contralateral breast cancer after radiation. Researchers combine detailed estimates of the radiation dose patients received with DNA sequencing and modern Bayesian/AI methods to find gene-by-radiation interactions. They compare women who developed cancer in the opposite breast with matched women who did not to pinpoint which genetic profiles raise risk. The team aims to produce individualized risk estimates that could inform treatment choices and follow-up plans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Most relevant are people with a prior unilateral breast cancer—particularly those who received radiation and/or carry known DNA damage response gene variants (for example BRCA1/2 or CHEK2) and who can provide a biospecimen or medical records.
Not a fit: People without a prior breast cancer diagnosis, those never treated with radiation, or those whose risk is driven entirely by non-genetic factors may not get direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help predict who faces higher risk of cancer in the opposite breast after radiation and support more personalized treatment and follow-up decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown radiation can raise contralateral breast cancer risk and some genes (BRCA1/2, CHEK2) affect breast cancer risk, but detailed gene-by-radiation interaction studies using large case-control data are relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernstein, Jonine L. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Bernstein, Jonine L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.