Child Gene Mutations Identified
Cancer researchers in Canada have identified the gene that is responsible for medulloblastoma which is considered to be the most common form of childhood brain cancer. They have successfully identified eight genes that have the ability to mutate bringing about brain cancer in younger people which can give them new avenues to pursue in childhood cancer treatment. The ability to properly target and prescribe the most effective treatment regimen is the aim and with these results, it has become more of a reality. The brains of children are still in the fast growing phase that if these genes mutated, would continue at an alarming rate that it turns into cancer.
Samples of brain tumors from around the world and from a variety of childhood cancer types using some of the latest findings in their genetic makeup to find a proper tool. They have identified and are now trying to create better diagnostic tools that would identify these eight genes making treatment more specific compared to the general approach taken in previous years. From the 40 infants who are diagnosed with medulloblastoma in Canada each year, about half are expected to succumb to the disease making it a very deadly disease indeed.