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Cancer victims join DNA sequencing project to unlock secrets of killer disease

Xinhua, January 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

Scientists have recruited the first cancer patients to the biggest ever DNA sequencing project to help unlock the causes of the disease, Britain's Department of Health announced Thursday.

The patients are joining others with rare diseases as part of the 100,000 Genomes Project, which aims to sequence 100,000 complete sets of DNA from 70,000 patients undergoing National Health Service (NHS) treatment.

"By recruiting cancer patients, scientists will be able to build more detailed understanding of how their DNA affects their susceptibility to disease and response to treatment. As well as the potential to benefit patients in Britain, this could also help in the global fight against cancer," a Department of Health spokesman said Thursday.

Tests will be performed on cancer tumors to be compared to healthy cells from samples of blood and saliva.

As part of the project, scientists are conducting pioneering work to overcome the challenge of extracting enough DNA from tumors that are of the right quality to be sequenced.

"This is a problem that no country has solved and underlines the UK's position as a world-leader in research and cutting-edge medical technology," added the department spokesman.

The 100,000 Genomes Project will provide potentially vital information about some of the world's rarest and most devastating diseases.

According to Britain's Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt, over half a billion pounds (70.57 million U.S. dollars) has been invested in genomics.

Government Life Sciences Minister George Freeman announced the British government was committing funding to ensure Genomics England continues its genomics work up to 2021.

Earlier this month, the DNA sequencing project delivered its first successes, with two young patients at London's world-famous Great Ormond Street Hospital becoming the first ever children to receive life-changing diagnoses of their rare health conditions under the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Georgia Walburn-Green and Jessica Wright had rare, undiagnosed, genetic conditions, but whole genome sequencing has now pinpointed the underlying genetic changes responsible for their illnesses.

The 100,000 Genomes Project was launched by Prime Minister David Cameron in 2012, aimed at better understanding DNA and how it can predict and prevent disease. The announcement led to the launch of a genomic medicines service in the NHS. (1 pound = 1.41 U.S. dollars) Enditem