Researchers have found that there are significant gene variants linked to gallbladder cancer; ABCB4 and ABCB1.

Gallbladder cancer is one of the rarest types of cancer. It often affects certain ethnic groups around the world like the Native Americans in North America, and in other geographic regions like East and Southeast Asia. These regions have a higher risk in which 17,800 new cases of gallbladder cancer primarily centered on these areas.

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One of the roles of the gallbladder in the body is to store bile; digestive fluid secreted by the liver. Chances of survival are high when gallbladder cancer is detected earlier. However, the disease does not show any signs and symptoms at an early stage. Most cases of gallbladder cancer often diagnosed at the late phase.

The research regarding gallbladder cancer may lead the people to understand the risk and the fatality of the disease. The study could also lead the researchers in setting preventive measurements and to make a better treatment for patients.

The test started by comparing the genetic code of patients with gallbladder cancer to healthy volunteers in 700,000 different locations of the genome. 1,042 patient's blood sample at the Centre's Hospital in Mumbai that was diagnosed from Sept. 2010 until June 2015 and 1,079 blood samples of healthy volunteers without any history of cancer who are visiting patients in the same hospital were gathered.

The participants' blood samples were matched according to age, sex, geographic region in India and compared it with one another. With the help of advanced technology; using biostatistical and bioinformatics analyses. The researchers have found the significant gene variants associated with gallbladder cancer: ABCB4 and ABCB1.

These two were commonly involved in moving the lipids towards the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder. ABCB4 is also responsible for gallstones' formation and one of the major risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

Currently, the research team is still investigating the risk of these gene variants. They will also conduct a larger study in which many participants will be involved. In that case, they will fully understand other gene variants linked in developing gallbladder cancer, and to detect the environmental lifestyle that may trigger the disease.

Eventually, the study may lead the researchers in finding the treatment or preventive measurement to patients who have a high risk of gallbladder cancer.