POLYGENE

"Identification of common genetic variants that affect the risk of breast and prostate cancer."

POLYGENE is an EU-funded study that focuses on inherited predisposition to breast and prostate cancer. In the POLYGENE project, genome-wide association studies of two European populations of different history and structure will be conducted in order to identify common variants that contribute to the risk of breast and prostate cancer. At the same time, statistical methods will be developed that will help identify the most important variants, direct the replication of positive findings and localize the causative genes.

Breast and prostate cancer are predominantly diseases of older age, their incidence is rising (especially considering the ageing population in Europe) and the social impact and healthcare cost are escalating. Genetics contribute substantially to both diseases but a large component of the inherited cancer risk remains unaccounted for.

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Good results give smiling faces
The Polygene group at a meeting in deCODE genetics Headquarters on 4 June 2007.