DCEG researchers actively investigate the role of common and uncommon inherited variations in the genetic code that are associated with increased risk of cancer. This work is carried out using biological samples from study participant and techniques like genome-wide association studies, whole genome scans, and new and emerging technologies and methods. Examples of studies include:
DCEG studies of genetic susceptibility and brain tumors
Studies of nucleoprotein structures designed to protect the ends of chromosomes and are critical to chromosome stability. Research covers characterization of telomere length as a cancer risk factor and identification of genetic determinants of telomere length.
Studies to evaluate genetic susceptibility to multiple primary cancers
Studies of the effects of occupational protracted low- to moderate-dose radiation exposure on breast, thyroid and skin cancer
A search for new genes associated with melanoma susceptibility in melanoma-prone families
A follow-up study of glioma risk factors and cancer aggregation in families of glioma cases
A population-based case-control study of breast cancer in Poland that combines state-of-the art techniques of exposure assessment and collection of biological specimens
A population-based case-control study of ovarian and endometrial cancer conducted among female residents of Warsaw and Lodz (Poland) between 2001 and 2003
Studies initiated in 1995 to look for major susceptibility genes for upper gastrointestinal cancers and to identify the genetic changes associated with their development
A genetic admixture study among African-American testicular germ cell tumor patients to better understand racial/ethnic variability in rates
Studies of Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) and possible correlation with cancer susceptibility
Studies on Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and associations with cancer susceptibility