deCODE discovers gene variants in thyroid cancer
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
deCODE genetics has added to its portfolio of cancer-associated genetic variants with the discovery of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that increase the risk of thyroid cancer. The variants, on chromosomes 9q22 and 14q13, contribute to around 57% of all cases of the disease and are linked with altered levels of thyroid hormones. Approximately 3.7% of people have two copies of the high-risk version of both SNPs, conferring a 5.7 times greater risk of developing thyroid cancer compared with non-carriers. Reykjavik, Iceland-based deCODE has incorporated the variants into its deCODEme genome test (available worldwide since November 2007) and deCODEme Cancer Scan, which it launched last month. The findings were published online in Nature Genetics on February 6.
You may also be interested in...
What are the hottest innovations from Israel?
Israel is well-known as a medtech hot-spot, with a focus on academic research and strong government support helping the country punch well above its weight when it comes to innovative devices.
EuroPCR: St Jude and Philips talk up rival intravascular imaging techs
St Jude Medical had a heavy focus on its intravascular imaging offering at this year’s EuroPCR meeting, presenting data supporting its optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology. OCT provides intravascular images to help assess culprit lesions, which can improve stent selection and deployment, according to St Jude.
EuroPCR: Medtronic's drug-coated balloon keeps rising
A big topic at this year’s EuroPCR, held in Paris on 19-22 May, was drug-coated balloons (DCBs). One of the leaders in the field, Medtronic, presented positive data from two studies of its IN.PACT Admiral balloon, which could support an expanded indication for the device.