In this video, Jane Churpek, MD, MS, discusses inherited genetics and mesothelioma, in particular as they relate to the BAP1 gene and the BRCA2. Specifically, she covers how cancer prevention and selection of effective treatment options for mesothelioma patients both rely on an understanding of genetic changes.
For example, one out of eight mesothelioma patients (12%) carries mutations in a relevant gene. While the connection between mutations in certain genes and mesothelioma is not completely clear, researchers are finding significant increases in those mutations in patients with mesothelioma.
In fact, the frequency of mutations in mesothelioma is similar to that in some other more frequently studied cancers, like ovarian cancer. Importantly, researchers encourage patients with mesothelioma and their families to participate in genetic studies as a way to advance prevention and treatment efforts.
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Important Glossary Terms Applying to Genetics and Mesothelioma:
- Germline mutations are changes acquired in all of your body cells. These are genetic changes inherited from parents or that started in the person when they were forming as an embryo in their mother’s uterus.
- Somatic mutations are changes in cells that have been acquired at some point during a person’s life; these can occur either because of the normal process of making new cells to replenish the body, or can be due to damage from exposures to certain substances such as smoking, UV rays from sunlight, etc. When speaking about inherited genetics and mesothelioma, the focus is generally on somatic mutations.
About Dr. Jane Churpek
Dr. Churpek is a physician scientist trained in hematology, oncology, and cancer genetics, and an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Carbone Cancer Center. She specializes in cancer prevention and diagnosis.
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MesoTV is the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s video series covering pertinent conversations impacting the mesothelioma community. Learn more at curemeso.org/mesotv.
