Molecular Genetics Study of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Characterization of NCP Susceptibility Gene(s)

The objective of this study is to characterize genes associated either with susceptibility or resistance to the development nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a Chinese population where the incidence of NPC is as high as 50 in 100,000. NPC has been and remains a unique model of human malignancy for understanding a multi-step carcinogenic process involving a ubiquitous virus (Epstein-Barr virus), environmental carcinogens, and an NPC susceptibility gene. Up to 95% of all NPC patients at early or late stage of the disease have IgA antibodies directed to the EBV virus VCA (viral capsid antigen). Environmental factors have also been implicated as significant risk factors in the development of NPC. In addition, certain alleles in HLA genes have shown associations with NPC, perhaps in concert with a family of T-cell receptor genes (TCR). Other data suggest that a microsatellite marker on Chromosome 6 may be associated with an NPC-disease associated gene.

Sex

All

Minimum age

7 Years

Maximum age

90 Years

* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria to be entered into the NPC study.

Cohort A: Proband: NPC positive (stage III or IV), age less than 50 at time of NPC diagnosis, and EBV/IgA/VCA positive. Spouse of Proband. Child of proband and of spouse (or a parent of the proband)

Cohort B: EBV/IgA/VCA positive 12 years ago and NPC negative. Spouse of proband. Child of proband and of spouse (or a parent of the proband).

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Persons with any of the following will be excluded from the study.

Persons who are unwilling or unable to given informed consent, or whose spouse and child(ren) (or parent) are willing to participate and give informed consent/assent.

Persons with no living spouse of child(ren)/parent.

• BACKGROUNDO'Brien SJ, Nelson GW, Winkler CA, Smith MW. Polygenic and multifactorial disease gene association in man: Lessons from AIDS. Annu Rev Genet. 2000;34:563-591. doi: 10.1146/annurev.genet.34.1.563. PMID 11092839
• BACKGROUNDZeng Y. Seroepidemiological studies on nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China. Adv Cancer Res. 1985;44:121-38. doi: 10.1016/s0065-230x(08)60027-5. No abstract available. PMID 2994402