Specific DNA research could offer quicker rewards

on December 23, 2012 at 12:22 AM

I read with interest that DNA studies are to be done at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Dec. 9).

However, I believe there is another area of DNA study that would have a more immediate effect, the identification of mutations in cancers that enable them to grow and spread despite many current treatments.

We identify cancer based on the organ where it originates, but even with such identified origins the cancer cells are often quite different.

For instance, thyroid cancer has several types: papillary, follicular, hurthle, medullary and anaplastic. Each is propelled by different genetic mutations. While the first two forms are often remitted, the latter are much more difficult to stop. The tumors are removed and biopsied and thus their genetic information is readily available to researchers.

If specific mutations are identified that render the cancer likely to grow, rapidly divide and/or resist their natural death, drugs might be developed and administered as appropriate and effective for the tumors.

We have such drugs, but it is difficult to match them to the tumor vulnerability. I would hope more attention be given to this form of DNA research.

Susquehanna Twp.