News

AddToAny

Google+ Facebook Twitter Twitter

Breast Cancer: Map holds hope for future

Scientists have created a “map” linking the shape of breast cancer cells to genes turned on and off, and matched it to real disease outcomes.

Breast cancer tissue: iStock

It is hoped that the map, which uses large sets of data to create a network of links between cell shape and genes, will one day help doctors select treatments.

The researchers analysed cell shape in millions of images of more than 300,000 breast cancer cells, and data for more than 28,000 different genes.

They found that cell shape changes, which can be caused by physical pressures on the tumour, are converted into changes in gene activity.

Using the maps to analyse thousands of samples, they discovered that these changes are linked to clinical outcomes for patients.

Professor Karen Vousden said: “The insights and approaches used in this research could one day lead to us being able to tell from appearance, how aggressive someone’s cancer is and how likely to spread, helping doctors decide the best course of treatment.”  

Related Articles

My lab: diagnostic cytopathology and molecular

Specialist Biomedical Scientist Beth Carroll gives a guided tour of her laboratory in Cornwall.

Life in cytology (without cervical screening)

Consultant Biomedical Scientist Tracey Stevenson discusses developing a diagnostic cytology service after her previous laboratory was unsuccessful in bidding for cervical screening programme work.

Diffuse optics for diagnosticsDiffuse optics for diagnostics

Among the optics-based tools used in diagnostics, diffuse optics (DO) is rapidly emerging as one of the most attractive technologies.

Clinical andrology: overcoming barriers, improving outcomes

Clinical Scientist and Andrology Service Lead Stuart Long on the impact that taking on a patient-facing role can have.

Top