Genetic Sequencing to Specify Treatment

The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Michigan Center for Translational Pathology (MCTP) recently completed a study in which they successfully were able to analyze the genetic makeup of a person with cancer in order to determine what method of treatment they should receive. In the analysis they were able to sequence about 20,000 genes and pinpoint everything from a specific mutation to a combination of mutations. Through this mutational mapping they were able to provide promising approaches for determining which treatment may best help a patient.

Their chief goals in the project was to make the tests relatively cheap and quick in such a way that they could be performed by hospitals or specialist offices. According to the article, a few decades ago this sequencing process would have cost many million or even billions of dollars. However, thanks to recent technological advances it can currently be done for a few thousand dollars. This makes the possibilities for this procedure extremely widespread and useful in the real world setting.

As a direct result of the variability of cancer’s effects in genetic alterations (including everything from rearrangement, additions, deletions, and substitutions within the genetic code) it was previously difficult to assess which cancer was linked with what genetic mutations. However, using new computer technology the research team was able to create a database that can grow and learn based on every new patient is analyzes. They first studied tumors in mice and later two human patients, one with colorectal cancer and one with melanoma. Potential clinical trials were successfully identified for both patients. They currently strive to return results to the patient within a four week time frame as that is how long patients are usually required to wait between treatment plans.

There currently are some obstacles that need to be overcome before the process can be implemented to the public. However, the researchers hope that their particular type of sequencing methods will become more widely available over the next 5 to 10 years. Clinical trials are still in the process. This could allow for the eventual matching of targeted therapies for individuals as well as insights as to why specific genetic mutations cause resistance to certain therapies. The more we know about what cancer does, the better we can fight it.

The full article can be found at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130141845.htm