Scientists from different countries have been able to fully disclose genetic information for 38 types of cancer cells, which opens new prospects for successful treatment of patients.
Scientists have successfully compiled an exhaustive DNA mutation catalog that cause cancer. A unique study with the name "Analysis of the full genome of all cancers" (PCAWG), which was attended by almost 1.3 thousand geneticists from 37 countries, lasted more than 10 years.
Experts point out that the causes of cancer are similar to a complex puzzle of 100 thousand fragments. "By gathering information about the origin and development of tumors, we can develop new methods of early diagnosis of cancer, more effective methods of therapy and successfully treat patients," - said Lincoln Stein, a member of the PCAWG Coordination Committee.
According to the study, any cancer occurs as a result of mutations in DNA, but it was still little aware of where and why the genetic code that provokes cancers occur. Scientists have completely revealed the genetic information of cancer cells of more than 2.8 thousand patients suffering from 38 different types of cancer.
As a result, several dozen discoveries were made, including the number and exact location of driver mutations, as well as unexpected genetic coincidences in cancer cells of different tissues. It has been found that a tendency to some types of cancer can be formed several decades before the diagnosis, sometimes even in childhood.
