Scientists have sequenced the genome of a cancer patient as a landmark step in their journey towards finding a treatment for the deadly disease of cancer. According to researchers, this effort takes them further in understanding the complexities of the disease.
Scientists have decoded the complete DNA sequence of a cancer patient for the first time, which has helped, them trace the disease to its genetic roots. The patient, who succumbed to cancer of the blood marrow also known as myeloid leukemia, was the research subject from whom the malignant blood cells were taken for experiments by the Washington University researchers.
Lack of understanding has made it impossible to find effective treatment methods for this disease over the years. The sequenced genes from the diseased cells were compared to the genes from her normal skin cells. According to Dr.Wilson, a cancer patient’s entire set of genes have been sequenced and decoded for the first time in history. He also added that this is sure to help them understand better what exactly goes wrong.
Cancer cells exhibited at least ten changes or genetic mutations according to the researchers. They explained that the drugs administered during chemotherapy were blocked by one of the mutated genes, while the cell mechanism was made inactive by four more and this is what prevents the cell from turning into a cancer cell.
Dr.Wilson said that mutation or de-activation of these genes usually resulted in the disease growing out of control. Research is on to identify mutations in other types of cancer as well.
