Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Genetic variants associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms in patients with gynecologic cancer
Andrea M Johnson1, Deanna Teoh1, Patricia Jewett2
1University of Minnesota, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America.
Objective:
Patients with cancer experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) more commonly than the general population. The objective of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with gynecologic cancer.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study recruited 181 gynecologic cancer survivors receiving care at the University of Minnesota between 2017 and 2020 who completed PTSD DSM-V surveys to self-report their symptoms of PTSD and provided saliva samples. DNA samples were genotyped for 11 SNPs in 9 genes involved in dopaminergic, serotonergic, and opioidergic systems previously associated with risk of PTSD in populations without cancer.
Results:
Most participants had either ovarian (42.5%) or endometrial (46.4%) cancer; fewer had cervical (7.7%) or vaginal/vulvar (3.3%) cancer. Two SNPS were identified as statistically significantly associated with higher PTSD scores: rs622337 in HTR2A and rs510769 in OPRM1.
Conclusions:
Genetic variation likely plays a role in development of PTSD. HTR2A is involved in the serotonin pathway, and OPRM1 is involved in the opioid receptor pathway. This information can be used by oncologic providers to identify patients at greater risk of developing PTSD and may facilitate referral to appropriate consultants and resources early in their treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

