The Great Tool of Cancer Research - Whole Genome Sequencing

Although the mortality rate of heart disease has dropped significantly, the incidence of cancer has not changed much within 30 years. New developments in the field of genetic testing may change this situation.
One of the new ways to fight cancer is whole genome sequencing (WGS). Just a few years ago, sequencing the entire genome of an individual was way too costly. This means spelling out all the 3.1 billion base pairs in a person's DNA. And a more typical study involves finding a few specific genetic markers. Since the cost of WGS has been reduced and results can be obtainable in two weeks, it is possible to deploy WGS in early cancer screening research and treatment.
The key to doing research with WGS is to understand the vast amounts of data obtained from these analyses. An example of a study that has initiated using WGS is melanoma, which will be studied at Memorial Sloan Kettering, UCSF, Vanderbilt and other institutions.
The Melanoma Research Consortium (MRA), the leading private funder of melanoma research and the Hidary Foundation, technology entrepreneur Jack Idari and his family charity, announced a new research project with researchers in five institution, including a pioneering study of the genetics of acral melanoma.
Melanoma is an invasive skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States. This study will focus on acral melanoma. This is a subtype of cancer usually formed under the palms, soles or nails, which is 10-20% less than the survival rate of non-extremity skin melanoma. These studies will delve into the genetic factors of acral melanoma, and this knowledge is critical to better understanding the new advances in cutaneous melanoma treatment and how it can be applied to acral patients.
The advancement of genome sequencing allows researchers to now use sequencing to measure chromosome structure, point mutations, and tumor-specific changes in gene expression through a combination of whole genome, whole exome, and RNA sequencing.
"Since the MRA was founded in 2007, we have made significant progress in combating melanoma," said Debra Black, co-founder and chairman of the Melanoma Research Alliance. "This partnership with the Hidary Foundation underscores the need to further study melanoma, particularly melanoma subtypes, such as acral melanoma, in order to develop more effective treatment options for all melanoma patients."

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