Although bone tumors are a scary topic, a better understanding of their causative factors can aid in their prevention. In this blog, we will focus on how an individual’s genetic composition contributes to bone cancer.
Let’s eliminate advanced jargon so that everyone can understand what we’re talking about. Together, we shall explore the relationship between genes and bone cancer.
Oncogenes and Their Role
Before we can comprehend anything about bone cancer, let us first talk specifically about oncogenes. These are unique genes found within our bodies that cause cancer when they malfunction or are dysfunctional in any way whatsoever. Oncogenes work like the gas pedal inside a car; they allow cells within your body to grow and divide whenever such a need arises. However, at times these same genes may become stuck in the “on” position as if you were pushing down on your automobile’s accelerator pedal constantly.
Oncogenes always push the cells to proliferate and grow forever. Cancer can result from such uncontrolled growth and may include even bone cancer.
It can be compared to an industrial plant where products continue to flow out, even when the warehouse is already full. The additional products (or cells for that matter) begin to create complications.
Typical oncogenes associated with bone cancer include MYC and FOS. The two generate osteosarcoma, a kind of bone cancer that is common among children and young adults who have experienced their physical maturity. Another oncogene known as MDM2 can cause chondrosarcoma, another type of bone cancer.
Doctors’ and researchers’ knowledge of oncogenes plays a role in medical practice and the development of new medications. They are working out ways to “turn off” those overactive genes or at least impede their actions. Therefore, this knowledge provides hope for better means of combating this illness in the future.
This is how our body experiences ‘Mutations.’
Tumor Suppressor Genes
Now let us discuss tumor suppressor genes. These are supposed to be the opposite of oncogenes. Oncogenes are like gas pedals, while the tumor suppressor genes function as brakes. They prevent cells from excessive and rapid growth, assist in DNA repair, and signal old or injured cells that it is time to undergo apoptosis.
When the tumor suppressor gene malfunctions, it is comparable to driving an automobile with faulty brakes. This may result in an uncontrollable rate of cell growth, eventually culminating in cancer. Notably, two prime examples of such genes include p53 and RB1, which are largely defective in several types of cancer, including osteosarcomas.
People sometimes refer to the p53 as the “guardian of the genome.” Its primary role is to stop damaged cells from dividing and potentially dying. As a result, if it fails or gets mutated, these ailing cells have the ability to continuously proliferate, resulting in the eventual development of malignancy (cancer). Additionally, controlling cell growth is also one of the functions attributed to the RB1 gene. Thus, any mutation in this gene results in over cell division, and hence the development of bone cancers like osteosarcomas.
Knowledge of tumor suppressor genes would prevent cancer.
This approach will make therapies for bone cancers work well and reduce their toxicities. It also supplies scientists with new treatment leads. They may choose to rectify these injured genes or explore alternatives for their lost function. This approach will make therapies for bone cancers work well and reduce their toxicities.
Hereditary Bone Cancer Syndromes
Sometimes, the predisposition towards bone cancer is hereditary. This is because of genetic bone cancer syndromes. This is due to hereditary bone cancer syndromes. These are disorders in which genes are inherited from parents to offspring. Individuals with such syndromes face increased chances of developing bone carcinoma.
One example is Li-Fraumeni syndrome. This condition affects individuals from birth who have an impaired p53 gene in all their cells, hence leading them to be at risk of various cancers, including osteosarcoma. Hereditary retinoblastoma is another condition caused by genetic abnormalities in the RB1 gene. Along with increasing the possibility of developing eye malignancies, it also predisposes individuals to bone tumors.
Moreover, there is a disorder known as multiple exostoses syndrome. Individuals with this condition have protuberances on their bones that can sometimes develop into cancerous tumors. The originators of this syndrome are faulted genes such as EXT1 and EXT2.
Families ought to understand them well. If one of the family members is affected by these diseases, they may like undergoing tests, too. This step can help monitor their health frequently so that one can detect cancer early at a more manageable stage.
Gene Mutations and Chromosomal Abnormalities
Sometimes, inherited gene causes are not the reasons behind bone cancer, but rather changes that occur throughout an individual’s life. These are referred to as mutations. Radiation, certain chemicals or even ordinary cell division can bring about mutations.
For instance, mutation in a gene known as EWSR1 may lead to Ewing sarcoma, a form of bone cancer widely witnessed amongst adolescents. This mutation does not occur when someone inherits from their parents; instead, it occurs randomly in some body cells. When the EWSR1 gene is improperly joined together with another one it shouldn’t connect with, it turns into a new oncogene capable of causing malignant transformation.
Chromosome aberrations may be another cause of this type of cancer. Chromosomes are long, arranged strings made up of various genes. At times, part of them may break off from one chromosome and then join another chromosome; this is what we term translocation. It is also possible to have deletions or duplications affecting either whole segments or individual genes within chromosomes. Oncogenes can then be switched on or tumor suppressor genes switched off, resulting in tumor formation and thus leading to cancer.
Moreover, several cases of chordoma, an uncommon bone cancer, indicate a chromosomal modification. Individuals carrying extra copies of the brachyury gene are more susceptible to developing this cancer.
Such mutations and chromosomal alterations can assist doctors in developing targeted therapies. These drugs are selection-based measures that concentrate on certain genetic modifications of cancerous cells. Compared to standard chemotherapy, this approach may produce better results with fewer adverse reactions.
Gene testing and diagnosis
Amid these discussions on genes and bone tumors, you may be asking yourself how medical practitioners find out what is going on in the DNA of their patients.
At this juncture is where we conduct genetic tests that examine any changes indicative of cancer within genes, Chromosomes or proteins.
- If someone has a family history of bone tumors or similar conditions, genetic testing can indicate whether they possess inherited traits that increase risk. This might aid them and their doctors’ decision-making concerning cancer development monitoring as well as prevention strategies.
- Genetic testing of your tumor can be really helpful if you’ve already received a bone cancer diagnosis. It helps to reveal which specific gene alterations are responsible for the cancer. In this way, doctors will be able to choose the suitable therapy. Some of the newest cancer treatments are effective only in tumors that contain particular genetic mutations.
- Genetic testing generally involves taking a small blood or tissue sample. Scientists then examine its DNA in the laboratory. They look for any previously identified alterations in cancer-related genes. Results from such tests may take several weeks before they are available.
- You need to bear in mind that having a genetic alteration related to bone cancer does not mean you will definitely develop it. Many people who have these alterations never face the disease. On the other hand, lack of a known hereditary factor does not preclude one from developing this form of malignancy. A large number of cases happen in individuals without any known risk factors for developing bone tumors.
- In case someone is considering undergoing some genetic tests, it’s advisable to first consult with a genetic counselor. This is a professional who can clarify the available tests, explain their implications, and help people decide whether such tests would be appropriate for them.
Indeed, genetic testing is a powerful tool, but it contributes to only the whole understanding of bone cancer. During the diagnosis and explanation of bone cancer, doctors conduct different tests, including X-rays, MRI scans, and biopsies. In this respect, all of these instruments together play a great role in arriving at the most suitable plan for every patient.
Conclusion
In summary, different forms of genetics, such as inherited syndromes and random mutations, play an important role in managing bone cancer. Knowing these genetic factors will enable us to better prevent, identify, and cure bone cancer. As research continues, we anticipate further advancements in aiding individuals affected by this disease.
Remember that knowledge is power against cancer. Understanding what causes bone cancer genetically provides us with essentials. These insights are necessary for future treatments and possibly a cure.