Agents causing cancer can be traced via their DNA fingerprints

It has been revealed that the causes of cancer are being catalogued with an extensive global study. The idea is to demonstrate the genetic fingerprints of DNA-damaging procedures that drive cancer growth.

These fingerprints will allow scientists to look for previously unknown compounds, biological pathways and ecological representatives responsible for causing cancer.

The study, published in Nature now (5th February) within a worldwide Pan-Cancer Project, will help understand the causes of cancer, notifying prevention strategies, and assist signpost new instructions for cancer diagnosis and treatments.

The international Pan-Cancer Project is the most extensive and most complete study of cancer genomes yet. The collaboration has collected a huge source of cancer genomes, available to researchers worldwide to advance cancer research.