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  • Science & Technology

New video: Cracking the cancer code

by Kat Arney | Analysis

4 March 2012

2 comments 2 comments

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Regular readers may remember that last July we launched two pioneering projects to hunt down the key genetic faults that drive prostate and oesophageal cancers as part of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC).

After a successful pilot phase to check that everything was working properly, the scientists are now ploughing ahead with ‘reading’ (sequencing) the genetic code in hundreds of samples of tumour and healthy tissue from patients with oesophageal or prostate cancer. Ultimately, this knowledge will help researchers to understand the gene faults that drive these diseases, and will underpin the development of more effective treatments in the future.

To find out a bit more about what’s involved in ICGC we’ve made this short film featuring the research teams at the University of Cambridge and The Institute of Cancer Research, as well as Illumina – the company providing the cutting edge technology that will allow our researchers to read all these genes.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YApBdEmtGtI]

This ambitious project wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our supporters, including two new fundraising initiatives – the Catalyst Club and the Dallaglio Foundation.

Kat


    Comments

  • Carole Resplandy
    4 April 2012

    I have had throat cancer,never smoked,not a drinker,only eaten very healthy food (no junk food) no cancer in family,mother died at 96 & Father 89. So I have to ask the big question, why did I get throat cancer ?

  • reply
    Kat Arney
    10 April 2012

    Hi Carole,
    We’re very sorry to hear about your experience with throat cancer. While we know that some lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, excess weight and a poor diet can increase the risk of many cancers, this only accounts for around four out of ten cancers. This means that for the majority of cases – six out of ten – these risk factors probably aren’t involved.

    Every individual person’s cancer is different, and is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. The fact that we don’t know the cause of so many cancers only highlights the need for more research into understanding this disease on all levels – something that we are working very hard to do.
    Best wishes,

    Kat
    Science Information Manager

  • BALDEV GILL
    30 March 2012

    I am Prostate cancer patient since Sep 2004 and on Active Surveillance (warchful waiting). I am interested to know about the latest treatments for prostate cancer. I may consider myself to go for trial treatment.

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    Comments

  • Carole Resplandy
    4 April 2012

    I have had throat cancer,never smoked,not a drinker,only eaten very healthy food (no junk food) no cancer in family,mother died at 96 & Father 89. So I have to ask the big question, why did I get throat cancer ?

  • reply
    Kat Arney
    10 April 2012

    Hi Carole,
    We’re very sorry to hear about your experience with throat cancer. While we know that some lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, excess weight and a poor diet can increase the risk of many cancers, this only accounts for around four out of ten cancers. This means that for the majority of cases – six out of ten – these risk factors probably aren’t involved.

    Every individual person’s cancer is different, and is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. The fact that we don’t know the cause of so many cancers only highlights the need for more research into understanding this disease on all levels – something that we are working very hard to do.
    Best wishes,

    Kat
    Science Information Manager

  • BALDEV GILL
    30 March 2012

    I am Prostate cancer patient since Sep 2004 and on Active Surveillance (warchful waiting). I am interested to know about the latest treatments for prostate cancer. I may consider myself to go for trial treatment.