Breakthrough: Breast Cancer-Causing Genes Mapped

The scientific journal Nature published yesterday (Monday) that a group of scientists from the University of Cambridge succeeded in mapping the genes that cause breast cancer.

This represents a significant and exceptional advance in understanding the process that causes the disease. The hope is that mapping the genetic array leading to breast cancer will assist in developing new drugs and treatment methods for the disease, and even lead to its prevention.

The study involved 560 women with breast cancer, and their genetic code was examined. Upon identifying the genes, the mutations that cause healthy tissues to turn cancerous were mapped.

(Photo: shutterstock)

The study found 93 genes that can cause tumors. The scientists estimate this is a final list, which also includes some particularly rare mutations.

Prof. Christian, one of the researchers involved in the study, said this morning to ynet that the road is still long, but it is a message of hope. "There is still a way to go, but we have taken the first step. I believe this is a milestone in describing the breast cancer genome, and it will be the first step in any case towards a new cure."

Prof. Borden-Dalla, one of the initiators of the study, stated that the research brings hope for all cancer patients. "We can now integrate this into other types of cancer to see what is specific to breast cancer and what is not. Many signs we have seen can be found in all types of cancer. The question is whether these are the personal genes of each person that cause it, or is it a specific type of cell. We will be able to investigate and integrate this with databases on other types of cancer." Prof. Borden-Dalla further added that the findings are crucial for halting the development of cancer, curing it, and even prevention.