BBC: entire genome of breast cancered identified--more than 200 genes

[Lani]

and every individual has a different combination of those genes. Most of the genes identified in this study had never before been linked with cancer:

Experts crack cancer 'gene codes'

Faulty genes help cancers grow
US scientists have cracked the entire genetic code of breast and colon cancers, offering new treatment hopes.
The genetic map shows that nearly 200 mutated genes, most previously unknown, help tumours emerge, grow and spread.

The discovery could also lead to better ways to diagnose cancer in its early, most treatable stages, and personalised treatments, Science reports.

The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center say the findings suggest cancer is more complex than experts had believed.

Distinct differences

The mutated genes in breast and colon cancers were almost completely distinct, suggesting very different pathways for the development of each of these cancer types.

Each individual tumour appeared to have a different genetic blueprint, which could explain why cancers can behave very differently from person to person, the scientists said.

"No two patients are identical," co-author Dr Victor Velculescu explained.


Scientists hope to be able to tailor plans for preventing or treating cancer to each person's individual genetic profile
Ed Yong of Cancer Research UK

Now researchers will study how these mutations occur in breast and colon cancers.

Previous cancer gene discoveries have already led to successful detection and treatment strategies.

For example, the breast cancer drug Herceptin targets a breast cancer cell receptor made by the Her2-neu gene. Blood tests for hereditary bowel cancer are based on the APC gene.

Personalised therapies

Dr Anna Barker of the National Cancer Institute said: "Maximising the numbers of targets available for drug development in a specific cancer means that patients will ultimately receive more personalized, less toxic therapies."

Ed Yong of Cancer Research UK, said: "This is potentially a very important piece of research.

"Most of the cancer genes identified in this study have not been previously linked to cancer.

"These newly identified genes could provide rich hunting grounds for scientists looking for new ways of treating or detecting cancers.

"In the future, scientists hope to be able to tailor plans for preventing or treating cancer to each person's individual genetic profile. Studies like this can help us to accomplish this goal."

[janet/FL]

Lani
Thanks for posting all of this. The future looks promising.
Now we just have to all hang in there and wait. But definitely, the treatment of cancer is changing rapidly. Wish all of these 2, 5, and 10 year studies could be shortened to months, not years before the results are in!
Janet

[R.B.]

These advances are great news, but more complex individualistic etc has implications I presume in treatment terms, eg more complex individualistic.... which has resources treatment research cost implications etc

Above it says

"More Complex...."

"completely distinct..... no two patients are identical...each tumour appeared to have a different genetic blue print......"

Which brings us back to looking at placing as much emphasis on tracking cause, looking at preventions as developements of treatment, looking to diet, environment, etc to see if there are sensible practical and acceptable ways of reducing risk.

RB

[Becky]

Genetic nutritioneering.

[janet/FL]

That's cute, Becky.
I would be inclined to follow that diet!
Janet

[R.B.]

Your diet does alter the way you express your genes.

It also impacts of the mechanisms that protect genes against damage and change - see "Greek Diet" post (click on search above and enter greek diet)

Trials on mice in respect of omega three and six intake showed from memory a doubling of expression HER2 and BRAC1 in skeletal muscle on the mice where omega six intake was high and omega three low, as against those who had a balanced omega three six profile.


There is a book called Genetic Nutritioneering. Jeffrey S Bland. It looks primarily at the impact of diet on gene expression.

RB