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Posted on Thursday, Jan 12, 2012

Desktop Genome Sequencer Offers Hope for Finding a Mesothelioma Cure

Recent significant breakthroughs by researchers seeking a new mesothelioma treatment have come in the field of genetics.  Many physicians and scientists believe that the answer to finding an effective treatment for mesothelioma lies within each patient’s genetic makeup.  Now, Life Technologies Corp. has launched a desktop tool that can sequence the entire human genome in a day for just $1,000.

According to a press release by Life Technologies, Baylor College of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, and The Broad Institute are all new customers.  Dr. Richard Gibbs, Director of the Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine said the Ion Proton Sequencer “will transform the clinical applications of sequencing.”

Dr. Richard Lifton, Chair of the Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine added, the new technology will be “game-changing for both research and clinical applications.”

Prior to the release of this product, running a genetic test was cost prohibitive and logistically challenging.  However, this tool could offer physicians and their patients a new way to treat mesothelioma.  

Mesothelioma is a rare, incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.  While doctors often use standard treatment protocol including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery for patients, by identifying specific biomarkers in their patients, the treatment can be adjusted based on research that shows what biomarkers respond to specific medicines. 

In a study of nuclear receptor genes in lung tumor tissue conducted by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center  the co-authors said that when looking at genetic signatures they hope to predict how well a patient will respond to treatment as well as leading the physician to the best treatment for that individual.

Mesothelioma researchers hope that this new product can accelerate genetic discovery and targeted drug development.

Life Technologies Corporation, based in Carlsbad, California, is a global biotechnology company dedicated to improving the human condition.

See the following articles for more information related to mesothelioma and genetic markers:

University of Michigan Genome Sequencing Project Can Link Mesothelioma Patients to Appropriate Clinical Trial
Human–Genome Sequencing Moves Personalized Medicine Closer to Reality for Mesothelioma Patients
New Software to Sort Through Genomic Data Can Benefit Mesothelioma Researchers