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Genome of lung cancer and melanoma

British researchers compiled a list of mutations that lead to the development of two common types of cancer – melanoma and lung cancer. The study, published in the journal Nature, was conducted as part of a research project of the International Consortium for Research on Cancer of the genome (International Cancer Genome Consortium), which involves researchers from the European Union, the United States, Australia, China, Japan and other countries, reports Medportal.

List of mutations was made employees of the British Institute of Sanger on the basis of genetic analysis of tumor samples taken from two patients. In the cells of malignant lung tumors (small cell lung cancer) were detected in a total of 22 910 mutations in melanoma – 33 345 mutations.

According to researcher Professor Mike Stratton ( Mike Stratton) the vast majority of the identified genetic malfunctions were directly linked to known risk factors for cancer – impact of tobacco smoke to lung cancer and ultraviolet radiation for melanoma.

Lung cancer and melanoma were third and fourth types of malignant tumors, the genetic code which has become known to the international scientific community. Previously, scientists from the United States and Canada compiled and published lists of mutations specific to leukemia and breast cancer. At the present time, Japanese scientists are engaged in the genetics of liver cancer, researchers from China studying tumors of the stomach, in the United States is conducting research of brain cancer, ovarian and pancreatic cancer.

Fundamental studies of genetics of malignant tumors will refine current knowledge about the causes of cancer, as well as create new, more effective treatments and early diagnosis of various forms of cancer.