The scientists studied the complete genetic information of above 18,000 cancer patients. They found new information about mutations or changes that could help doctors provide more suitable treatments. Their study recently published in a scientific publication is not the first to perform comprehensive genetic studies in cancer samples. No one has ever used such a big sample size. “This is the biggest cohort globally, and it is incredible,” said Serena Nik-Zainal from the University of Cambridge, and team member of the research team.
More than 12,000 surgical samples were taken from patients recruited by the UK’s National Health Service as part of a genome-wide research project on people with common cancers and rare diseases. The rest comes from existing cancer datasets. Scientists were able to study such a large number thanks to the technological innovations that recently allowed scientists to decode the entire human genome.
Cancer is a genetic disease or a complete set of instructions for how a cell should function. It occurs when cells grow and divide uncontrollably because of changes in a person’s DNA. In 2020, there will be about 19 million new cancer cases worldwide.
The researchers looked at 19 various kinds of cancer in the human body for the study. It identified 58 new “mutant markers,” or lines of evidence that lead to the cause of cancer. Nik-Zainal said the researchers confirmed 51 of the 70 previously reported mutations. Some arise due to problems in a person’s cells, and others are provoked by environmental exposure such as UV rays, chemicals, or cigarette smoke.
“Knowing more helps us better understand each person’s cancer, which can guide the cure,” said Nik-Zainal.
Gene sequencing has been incorporated into cancer care. It is part of a growing personalized medicine or care trend based on a patient’s specific disease genes. Doctors will now have more information to depend on when examining particular cancers.
To help doctors use this information, the researchers developed a computer program that allows them to find common mutations and look for rare ones. Nik-Zainal says doctors can recommend treatment based on a particular pattern.
The data can also tell doctors what happens over time when a patient develops cancer with a particular form of mutation. This will help doctors start treatment earlier and hopefully stop the disease from developing.
