2008 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2008. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
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In theory, is it posible to modify a gene to prevent cancer?
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Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.:
Developing genetics, health education and community involvement programs and resources, and translating genetic and genomic information for the public.
In theory, it is possible to modify a gene to prevent cancer. The science has not yet advanced to where a gene can be modified to prevent cancer. For example, one cause of hereditary breast cancer is a mutation in a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Currently, it is not possible to modify a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation to prevent a person from developing hereditary breast cancer. However, gene testing of cancer cells and tumors is being done to determine a specific treatment based on the genetic makeup of the cancer. For more information about gene-based treatments for cancer go to www.cancer.gov. |
| Scarlet Oaks in OH (11th grade student) |
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