Genomics
Advances in the technology to read people’s DNA have made it so much faster and cheaper that we can now read the genetic code of many different genes at once, increasingly by sequencing the entire genome of a patient or their cancer.
Comparing a genome sequence from a tumour cell with one from a healthy cell allows our researchers to pinpoint the genetic changes that are involved in causing cancer, helping us to create new and improved treatments. We can also learn about genetic changes people inherit which may increase their risk of cancer, and this can lead to new ways of preventing the disease.
This page highlights recent news stories, blog posts and videos that concern the use of genomics technologies in cancer research.
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Recent stories on genomics technologies in cancer research
We must not rush to implement new genetic screening programmes, experts warn
There is a danger that population genetic screening programmes may be introduced without the necessary scrutiny and rigour that is usually applied when screening programmes are put into effect, experts have warned.
Scientists uncover key mechanism linking DNA replication to cancer
Researchers have gained a clearer insight into how common alterations to the structure of DNA affect the process of DNA replication.
Existing cancer drugs have potential to benefit thousands more patients
Existing targeted cancer drugs could help even more patients, including some with the most common type of breast cancer, scientists have discovered.
Algorithm offers new way to spot patients likely to respond to immunotherapy
Scientists have developed a new way of using cancers’ DNA to spot cancer patients who may benefit from immunotherapy.
.jpg?sfvrsn=76dc3c2_2 "DNA unwound from histone epigenetics Credit_Phospho Biomedical Animation 4_3 (1)")
Landmark Nature papers unveil ‘dark matter’ shaping cancer behaviour
Cancers can evolve to become more aggressive without relying only on DNA mutations, two major studies published simultaneously in Nature reveal.
-being-attacked-by-two-cytotoxic-t-cells-(red)-547x410.tmb-hbmobile.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=8f59440b_2 "Immunotherapy - Oral squamous cancer cell (white) being attacked by two cytotoxic T cells (red) 547x410")
Deliberately damaging DNA could boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in kidney cancer
DNA damage is one of the foundational causes of cancer. But researchers have now found that deliberately causing DNA damage – by delivering additional treatments like radiotherapy – could improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for some people with kidney cancer.
Artificial intelligence unlocks ‘treasure trove’ of billions of cancer samples
Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) method that could unlock a research ‘treasure trove’ of cancer genomes from billions of preserved tissue samples stored routinely at hospitals over decades.
‘Junk’ DNA could lead to cancer by stopping copying of DNA
Scientists have found that non-coding ‘junk’ DNA, far from being harmless and inert, could potentially contribute to the development of cancer.