Having an extra chromosome has a surprising effect on cancer

Smaller tumors, less cancer-driving proteins seen with trisomic cells

chromosome

EXTRA EXTRA  An extra chromosome can help suppress the effects of cancer mutations, new research suggests. The findings may help explain why people with Down syndrome, who have an extra copy of chromosome 21 in their cells, have low cancer rates.

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SAN FRANCISCO — Having an extra chromosome may suppress cancer, as long as things don’t get stressful, a new study suggests.