Scientists Unravel Cancer Codes | Print | E-mail
Written by Steven J. DuBord
Friday, 18 December 2009 08:15
According to Times Online for December 17, researchers led by Professor Mike Stratton of the Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute near Cambridge, England, have cracked the genetic codes of two human cancers: small-cell lung cancer and malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Very thorough genetic maps have been made of every DNA mutation in the tumors of two patients suffering from these cancers. The knowledge gained could revolutionize cancer treatment, leading to personalized therapy that can rectify the genetic defects. This has been described as the most important milestone in cancer research in over a decade.

With data from the genomes in hand, it may be possible for scientists to develop drugs to target the DNA glitches that lead to cancer, opening new avenues for prevention. Cancers that do develop could be diagnosed and treated by their genetic profiles rather than by treatments now commonly used that have more harmful side effects. Scientists even predict that by approximately 2020, it may become standard practice for cancer patients to undergo genetic analysis so that treatment can be customized to the specific defects found.

“These catalogues of mutations are telling us about how the cancer has developed, so they will inform us on prevention. They tell us about all the processes which are disrupted in cancer cells, which we can try to influence through our treatments,â€