U.K. sequencing study surfaces new findings about tumor DNA

LONDON — A decade in the past, the U.Ok. launched its 100,000 Genomes Mission, a serious analysis endeavor that concerned sequencing the DNA of that many individuals to find how our genes form our well being.

However the initiative wasn’t simply targeted on sequencing our common DNA. One arm of the venture additionally entailed decoding the genomes of some members’ tumors.

In a paper printed Thursday morning within the U.Ok., researchers reported their findings from greater than 13,800 stable tumors in adults, detailing that sure tumors had been extra prone to carry mutations that would inform affected person care, whether or not by steering remedy decisions or indicating a possible familial threat. The findings are already influencing medical observe: It’s turning into normal for sufferers within the Nationwide Well being Service with these tumors — together with sorts of mind cancers, sarcomas, and ovarian cancers — to get their tumors sequenced.