DNA mutation in breast cancer €˜hijacks’ the immune system, new study finds

A defective gene in breast tumour cells €˜hijacks’ the immune system and can promote metastases elsewhere in the body, a new study published in the journal Nature has revealed. The gene, p53 is erased or mutated in nearly 40% of all breast cancer patients. It then steers the immune system in an undesirable direction, the researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute and Oncode Institute said. Research leader Karin de Visser said: €œOur study shows that the genetic make-up of tumours has a major impact on the immune system and on the spread of breast cancer. These insights lay the foundation