A recent study reported in Neurology demonstrates familial links for brain cancer. Till now it was generally thought that that brain tumors. Including glioblastoma did not have a genetic component.
Dr. Deborah Blumenthal, co-director of Tel Aviv University's Neuro-oncology Service at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, lead a study of the data from Utah Population Data Base (UPDB) at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The extensive data allowed researchers to study family histories for at least three generations and in some cases ten generations.
The study reported: "Until now, brain tumors were not thought to be an inheritable disease. A few earlier studies did find an increased risk in immediate relatives, but in such cases it is hard to distinguish between the effects of a shared environment and heredity."
However, the report went on to say: "The risks of having such a hereditary tumor are very low. Reporting to your family doctor that brain cancer runs in the family just gives a more comprehensive picture of your medical history. It may provide doctors and family members with useful information."
Further research it is hoped will uncover genes that are associated with brain tumors, and determine those at risk with greater certainty. The current study is just the first step, but researchers hope that it pave the way for early screening of people at risk so preventative measures can be taken before any tumor develops.
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