Scientists Map Cancer Genome, Genetic Changes Found
September 5, 2008
Washington (ChattahBox) - Scientists have reported that they have managed to actually map out the cancer genome linked the two deadliest forms of cancer, a type of brain tumor, and pancreatic cancer.
The news comes from a series of three different studies. The studies were published this week in both the journal Science, as well as the journal Nature.
Johns Hopkins University researchers conducted the first study by looking at over 20,000 genes from 24 patients suffering from pancreatic cancer, with tumors.
Researchers also focused on 22 patients with the deadly brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme.
The other study focused on hundreds more patients, further looking into gene variations being linked to the diseases.
Scientists, using this research, were able to actually witness gene mutations, linking them to the cancers.
They found the brain tumor has on average 60 genetic alterations, while pancreatic cancer had 63 on average.
They also discovered a new gene, IDH1, linking it to glioblastoma multiforme.
This will lead to new treatments, tools for diagnosis, and more.
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