Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Mapping of Breast Cancer May Lead to New Treatment


Scientists have claimed to finish mapping of genetic mutations in breast cancer. Genetic mutation is an important process in Cancer. Mapping of such process would give better understanding to develop more effective treatment. This study is likely going to change the current course of treatment.

The study has revealed some startling facts. One such finding is that genetic of one of the deadliest types of breast cancer is nearer to ovarian cancer than other breast cancer. Findings of the study have been published on Journal Nature.

The discovery is expected to benefit breast cancer patients very soon, said Dr Matthew Ellis. Dr Ellis, a co-leader of the study, is from Washington University School of Medicine. Triple negative breast cancer treatment would be better with less toxic chemotherapy.

The study also indicates sea-change in how differently cancer is being seen. Now it’s not just where tumor originated but understanding cancer cells at molecular level.

The study is the part of research project called Cancer Genome Atlas. The project is supervised by Dr Brad Ozenberger at National Institutes of Health. The project would provide drug companies a clear direction on which genetic mutation should be the target of their new drug.

There can be lot of information drug companies can use to design their treatment. For example, scientists may find a gene involved in immune system which ultimately help them understand as how cancer escapes body's immune system. Genome atlas has also revealed that drugs that block growth of new blood vessel can be useful against triple-negative breast cancer and ovarian cancer.