Genetic Codes of two common cancer types unveiled

Scientists have been able to map the genetic codes for melanoma and lung cancer completely for the first time—which is sure to lead to better diagnostic tests and much more specific and effective treatments for two of the most deadly forms of cancer.

The scientists made it possible by using  a relatively new high-speed DNA analysis technique called “massively parallel sequencing,” scientists from Britain’s Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and their colleagues sequenced the DNA of both tumor tissue and normal healthy tissue from patients with melanoma and lung cancer. By comparing the sequences, the researchers were able to identify exactly where the genetic changes had taken place.

Scientists found the DNA code for skin cancer had 33,345 mutations, largely caused by too much exposure to sun. The lung cancer DNA had 22,910 genetic abnormalities, due largely to cigarette smoke.

Starting with the first puff, typical smokers develop one genetic mutation for every 15 cigarettes smoked,as computed by , Sanger Institute researcher Peter Campbell.