Genomics
Advances in the technology to read people’s DNA have made it so much faster and cheaper that we can now read the genetic code of many different genes at once, increasingly by sequencing the entire genome of a patient or their cancer.
Comparing a genome sequence from a tumour cell with one from a healthy cell allows our researchers to pinpoint the genetic changes that are involved in causing cancer, helping us to create new and improved treatments. We can also learn about genetic changes people inherit which may increase their risk of cancer, and this can lead to new ways of preventing the disease.
This page highlights recent news stories, blog posts and videos that concern the use of genomics technologies in cancer research.
Related pages
Recent stories on genomics technologies in cancer research
Word processing for mankind
In the third of five articles short-listed for the ICR's Mel Greaves Science Writing Prize 2015, Kevin Litchfield discusses the potential consequences of cutting-edge genetics research.
Major study links gene to drug resistance in testicular cancer
A major research study has uncovered several new genetic mutations that could drive testicular cancer – and also identified a gene which may contribute to tumours becoming resistant to current treatments.
Scientists discover way to target rare breast cancer mutation
UK scientists have identified a drug to target a rare breast cancer mutation that helps drive the disease in around 900 of the 50,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the UK each year.
Study leads to new understandings of rare breast cancer type
A study into a unique breast cancer sub-type called micropapillary carcinoma of the breast has given new clues to its genetic make-up.
Large study identifies nine new genomic regions linked to testicular cancer
A study from the ICR involving over 2,000 men has identified nine new regions of the genome associated with testicular cancer.
Hereditary breast cancer: genetic code unravelled
Scientists from the ICR's Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre have become the first to fully sequence the DNA of two breast cancers caused by a faulty BRCA1 gene. Surprisingly, changes in the genetic code of the two tumours looked almost entirely different from one another.
Three New Testicular Cancer Risk Variants
A study led by The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has identified three new genetic risk factors for testicular cancer.