Genes associated with Erdheim-Chester disease also linked to cancer

(NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute) Newly identified genes associated with Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), an ultra-rare disease, are also linked to cancer, according to a new study by NHGRI researchers. Thus, ECD should be considered a type of cancer and treated by oncologists. A new clinical trial -- enrolling ECD patients now -- will test the use of the drugs dabrafenib and trametinib.