Pre Implantation Genetic Diagnosis

Hereditary Cancer and the role of PGD

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a recently developed technology that allows testing of embryos during In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Testing can be directed toward finding common problems such as embryos that have too many or too few chromosomes. These conditions cause miscarriages, birth defects and fetal or neonatal deaths. Other types of PGD testing can look for the gene mutations that can cause cancer.

Family studies have revealed that some types of cancers are heredity. In some cases, scientists have identified a specific gene mutation, which is associated with the development of the cancer. Although it generally takes more than one gene mutation to cause cancer, people with a single gene mutation may be at greater risk of developing the cancer.

Probably one of the best known examples of a cancer that is linked to a gene mutation is breast cancer. Inherited mutations account for about 5% of all cases of breast cancer. For several years, a blood test has been available that screens for two gene mutations called BRCA1 and BRCA2. These gene mutations account for 4% of all cases of breast cancer.

For families that are plagued by hereditary cancer, there previously were no methods available that enabled them to avoid passing cancer on to future generations.

By using PGD, prospective parents can elect to attempt pregnancy with embryos that do not have the cancer causing mutations. Their children can then avoid the cancers that have stricken those families for generations. It is likely that these children would not be at any greater risk for these cancers than anyone in the general population.

‘BRCA1-free’ birth isn’t a “slippery slope to designer babies”

For further information contact:

www.pcgenetics.com.au

www.sydneyivf.com.au

Pink Hope does not provide medical advice. Please refer to our Disclaimer for more information.