Gene research could lead to cancer breakthrough

New research by scientists at The Australian National University (ANU) will help us better understand rare forms of cancer. Professor Eduardo Eyras and his team have developed a tool to study how cells function in a type of brain tumour called glioma.   "We know cancer is a disease driven by the genetic alterations that take place in cells, triggered by causes such as exposure to radiation, continuous inflammation or ageing," Professor Eyras said.  "But we wanted to find out more about this process.  "The more we understand about how the cells transform during the development of glioma, the more options we could eventually have when it comes to developing new ways to treat this devastating disease."  -   - Around 1,700 people are diagnosed with brain cancer every year in Australia. Glioma is the most common form, making up around 70% of all malignant brain cancers. Professor Eyras and his team measured gene isoforms changes in glioma.