Cracking the Cancer Code: We already know that all cancers are caused by DNA mutations acquired during a person's lifetime. But what mutations actually cause cancer? We may be one step closer to finding out. International research teams led by the Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
have now mapped the
entire genetic code of two of the most common human cancers: lung and skin (malignant melanoma).
Their findings
have the potential to revolutionize preventative and treatment therapies as well as pave the way for new early detection tests.
More.
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posted by zarq
on Dec 17, 2009 -
36 comments
Devil facial tumor disease has ravaged the population of Tasmanian Devils in the last decade. DFTD is a
transmissible cancer, i.e. the tumor cells themselves (which differ genetically from their host animal) are the agent responsible. The disease is spread by biting and other contact, and the resulting grotesque tumors interfere with feeding and lead to starvation.
Poor immune response may be partially responsible. This is actually not the only such disease: canine transmissible venereal tumor is an
analogue that has been known to be contagious since the 19th century. (CTVT, however, gets a proper immune response.)
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posted by parudox
on Oct 29, 2007 -
7 comments
Scientists in Australia have
discovered a new gene. Called BRCA3, this genetic mutation causes up to 10% of the breast cancer cases which run within families. This breakthrough completes the search for the trilogy of gene mutations. The first two gene mutation markers were discovered in 1994 and 1995 respectively.
posted by lucien
on Feb 8, 2002 -
1 comment
