"The genetic map shows that nearly 200 mutated genes, most previously unknown, help tumours emerge, grow and spread.
The discovery could also lead to better ways to diagnose cancer in its early, most treatable stages, and personalised treatments, Science magazine reports.
The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center says the findings suggest cancer is more complex than experts had believed.
Distinct differences
The mutated genes in breast and colon cancers were almost completely distinct, suggesting very different pathways for the development of each of these cancer types.
Each individual tumour appeared to have a different genetic blueprint, which could explain why cancers can behave very differently from person to person, the scientists said.
"No two patients are identical," co-author Dr Victor Velculescu explained."
Since this is a Brit article, it's difficult to determine precisely how much of the story is a mere misinterpretation of the facts. OR it could simply be nothing more than clumsy writing. The premise is that faulty genes are the cause of cancers, and I find it hard to believe that most of the human race has such defective DNA. I could of course spend the next several days googling until I derived a shred of comprehension, but "faulty" just seems to be the wrong way to classify the process.
Whatever, this is quite excellent news in the battle against cancer, and it's good to know that science continues to evolve.
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