A 3-year, $100 million pilot project, carried out by the National Cancer Institute (USA) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (USA), to map the cancer genome could lead to new tests and treatments for cancer.
The project is called The Cancer Genome Atlas. The National Cancer Institute and the National Human Genome Research Institute will provide $50m each.
Scientists say the aim of this project is to identify differences between various cancer tumor cells and normal cells by mapping their genes. They say the end result, hopefully, will be much more effective detection of cancer as well as treatment. The whole project could become the basis for future strategies for the prevention of cancer.
We know that, among other things, cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells. But we have never carried out a study of all the mutations that take place in different types of tumors.
Initially, researchers will focus on a couple of cancer. They will take samples (from tumors) from many patients (hundreds) and compare genetic changes that have taken place, using the human genome map as a reference.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today