Male cells that lose their Y chromosome may be more vulnerable to cancer, according to a study initiated by Dr. Dan Theodorescu, a physician-scientist at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. The research, published in JCI Insights, focuses on the loss of the Y chromosome in body tissue as a possible early warning sign rather than a cause already present at diagnosis.
The findings suggest that when the Y chromosome is absent, certain changes in tissue could pave the way for cancer to develop. That makes Y chromosome loss a promising candidate for an early biomarker, potentially helping doctors identify men at higher risk before symptoms appear.
The work is based on a single study report, so no independent comparisons or conflicting results are available. Still, the researchers say the link merits further investigation as a practical screening signal for cancer risk in men.