MEN1 stands for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 ‘, one today rare genetic disease in which patients due to a mutation of the MEN1 gene on chromosome 11 are susceptible to both benign and malignant tumors in hormone producing organs such as the parathyroid glands, pancreas and pituitary.
In the Netherlands there are about 400 people with MEN1 syndrome. Because animal studies suggest that the MEN1 gene is involved in breast cancer, researchers at UMC Utrecht have examined the risk of breast cancer among Dutch women with the rare MEN1 syndrome.
Higher risk of breast cancer at a younger age
Studies in 190 Dutch women with MEN1 found that women with an abnormality in the MEN1 gene have a nearly three times higher risk of breast cancer. Also, the disease occurs at a relatively young age at them. The results were then confirmed in three studies with a total of 675 women with MEN1 in Australia, United States and France.
Dr. Gerlof Valk, principal investigator of the study and as endocrinologist associated with the UMC Utrecht, says that research has shown that women with a mutation of the MEN1 gene, in addition to the already known risk of endocrine tumors, including an increased risk for the first time have breast cancer. “Following this finding, we will talk with the Association of Clinical Genetics Netherlands and screening organizations or women with a mutated MEN1 gene should be. Intensively screened for breast cancer at a young age In this way, breast cancer can be detected earlier. “
Early treatment is always better
” It is important that women with the MEN1 syndrome now know that they have that they can get breast cancer because early treatment is always better, “said prof. dr. Elsken van der Wall, medical oncologist affiliated to the UMC Utrecht Cancer Center.
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