Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in cancer have discovered over 50 novel regions of the genome strongly associated with risk for one or more cancers. To date, most published studies have reported on etiologic associations for common cancers (e.g., breast, colorectal, lung, prostate) but also less common cancers (e.g., bladder, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and neuroblastoma). GWAS data enable the investigation of pathways in cancer etiology, though much larger data sets are required to confirm preliminary findings. Further studies are needed to explore the utility of applying novel genetic markers in risk prediction, particularly in the context of assessing absolute risk.
Symposium: Genome-wide Association Studies in Cancer: Current and Future Directions

Introduction: GWAS and its trends; John D. Carpten. Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ

Discovery of new loci in less common cancers; Richard Houlston. Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom

GWAS in different populations; Christopher A. Haiman. Zilkha Neurogenetic Inst., Los Angeles, CA

Discovery of new loci in GWAS in common cancers; Stephen J. Chanock. National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD

GWAS and risk assessment; Peter Kraft. Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA,