I recently read an article published in the New York Times about research that provides evidence that cancers should be classified by their gene mutations rather than where they originate within the body. This study is regarded as “a landmark that will stand the test of time” according to Dr. David P. Steensma, a leukemia researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The study has taken place over the past year examining endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. The data shows that these three cancers have similarities in DNA and that the deadly endometrial tumors are similar to breast cancer and ovarian cancer. What does this mean? It means that the same treatments could possibly be used to fight all three cancers.
The idea that genetic mutations should be scrutinized when diagnosing cancer has always been popular among doctors, according to the article. But for the first time, this study provided proof to back up the claims and allows for further exploration into other cancers such as Leukemia.
Overall, this is a huge step in the fight against cancer. Doctors, now more than ever, have a “playbook” to look at when observing cancers and their changes. The basic pathways and mutations are no longer a mystery which allows doctors to have a better chance of prescribing treatment that the cancer will respond to.
As I am not a doctor, for more information I highly recommend reading the article Cancers Share Gene Patterns, Studies Affirm on the New York Times website. We are that much closer to ending this battle with a victory.
Link to article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/02/health/dna-research-points-to-new-insight-into-cancers.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130502&_r=0
The study has taken place over the past year examining endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. The data shows that these three cancers have similarities in DNA and that the deadly endometrial tumors are similar to breast cancer and ovarian cancer. What does this mean? It means that the same treatments could possibly be used to fight all three cancers.
The idea that genetic mutations should be scrutinized when diagnosing cancer has always been popular among doctors, according to the article. But for the first time, this study provided proof to back up the claims and allows for further exploration into other cancers such as Leukemia.
Overall, this is a huge step in the fight against cancer. Doctors, now more than ever, have a “playbook” to look at when observing cancers and their changes. The basic pathways and mutations are no longer a mystery which allows doctors to have a better chance of prescribing treatment that the cancer will respond to.
As I am not a doctor, for more information I highly recommend reading the article Cancers Share Gene Patterns, Studies Affirm on the New York Times website. We are that much closer to ending this battle with a victory.
Link to article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/02/health/dna-research-points-to-new-insight-into-cancers.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130502&_r=0
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