Decipher genetic code of cancer
posted in Cancer |
U.S. scientists have decoded the complete genetic code of breast cancer and colon cancers, offering new hope for treatment.
The genetic map shows that nearly 200 mutated genes, most previously unknown, help tumors emerge, grow and expand.
The discovery could also lead to better ways to diagnose cancer in its early stages, where treatment is easier and can be customized, according to the magazine Science.
The Kimmel Cancer Center Johns Hopkins University says the findings suggest that cancer is more complex than experts had believed.
Marked differences
The mutated genes in breast cancer and colon cancers were almost completely distinct, there are many different forms of development for each of these cancers.
Each individual tumor seems to have a different genetic blueprint, which could explain why cancers can behave very differently from people, the scientists say.
“No two patients are identical,” said co-author Dr. Victor Velculescu.
These genes have been identified that provide rich for scientists looking for new ways to treat or detect cancer
Ed Yong, of Cancer Research UK
Now, scientists will study how these mutations occur in colon cancer and breast cancer.
In the past, such genetic discoveries led to new and successful strategies for detection and treatment.
For example, the drug Herceptin for breast cancer, pointing to the cancer cell receptor produced by the Her2-neu gene. Blood tests for hereditary bowel cancer are based on the APC gene.
Custom Therapies
Dr. Anna Barker of the National Cancer Institute in the UK, said: “Increasing the number of targets available for drug development in a specific type of cancer means that patients receive a more personalized therapy and less toxic.
Ed Yong, of Cancer Research UK, said: “This could be a very important research.”
“Most of the cancer genes identified in the study had not been previously associated with cancer.”
“These genes have been identified that provide rich for scientists looking for new ways to treat or detect cancer.”
“In the future, scientists hope to be able to design treatment plans tailored according to each person’s genetic profile. Studies like this allow us to achieve this goal.”