- New research has mapped the complete spectrum of mutations driving tumour growth across 16 cancer types, using data from 10,983 patients in the 100,000 Genomes Project.
- The study identified 134 distinct mutational “signatures,” including 26 previously unknown, which act as fingerprints of DNA damage causing cancer.
- Findings suggest significantly more breast and ovarian cancer patients could benefit from targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors, due to the identification of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in a higher percentage of tumours than previously thought.
- The research also supports a theory linking toxins from certain E. coli strains to the rise in bowel cancer cases among younger adults, as this signature was more prevalent in younger patients.
- Experts believe this breakthrough in whole-genome sequencing will usher in a new era of precision medicine, allowing for more effective and personalised treatments by better predicting which therapies will work.
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