A Database of Cancer-Linked Gene Mutations

U.S. National Cancer Institute researchers have made available the biggest database of cancer-related genetic anomalies ever published. This database will help cancer scientists to better formulate accurate treatments for the disease.

The head of the NCI’s Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology Dr. Yves Pommier recently said,“Most anticancer drugs that are used today are used based on their empirical activity. For most of them, we know there is a target, but they have not been connected with any genomics.”

Surprisingly to many lay people, very often doctors have to shoot in the dark when attacking a cancer. They cannot know with certainty that the drug will work on a particular patient.That is why many cancer drugs have very low success rates (some as low as 4%).

However, patients with certain genetic mutations respond better to certain drugs. The records in this database will enable drug manufacturers and other cancer researchers to relate drugs to existing genetic mutations.

Now a doctor can first look up the database to see which genetic mutations to look for in the patient for cancer under investigation, then choose a drug which works with that particular mutation.

Our wish: In the same database, alongside every genetic anomaly the names of effective drugs for that anomaly should be listed. Drug companies are unlikely to help do this because that would mean fewer failed drug administrations and therefore lower drug sales. Maybe doctors and hospitals could help?

Interested in using a database for your chosen endeavor? Fill out the form on our database developer page to start a discussion!

Further Reading from This Blog:

Databases vs Cancer Cells: A Clash of Titans

Database Use In Cancer Research

From the Web:

U.S. opens largest cancer gene database to the public

Cancer-Linked Genes Collected in Largest-Ever Database