This guest update by Dr. Daniela S. Gerhard looks at the progress of TCGA pilot project and the value seen by researchers through data being developed and shared across the globe along with its offering of new technologies and tools to propel molecular oncology with precision and efficiency.

February 10, 2008

Multiple loci identified in a genome-wide association study of prostate cancer
Nature Genetics
Vol 40, Issue 3

The prostate cancer study looks at the association between multiple loci and the susceptibility to prostate cancer, which could be used as an indicator for high risk individuals (subscription required).

May 29, 2007

Common Genetic Variants Linked to Breast Cancer
NCI Cancer Bulletin
Volume 4 / Number 18

Researchers have identified common genetic variations associated with breast cancer in several populations of women. The variants occur in a tumor suppressor gene called FGFR2 (Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2), which was previously reported to be amplified or overexpressed in some breast cancers.

September 15, 2006

Small Molecules, Big Players: the National Cancer Institute's Initiative for Chemical Genetics
AACR Cancer Research
66, 8935-8942

The Initiative for Chemical Genetics (ICG), created by NCI, enables public research using small molecules to accelerate the discovery of cancer-relevant small-molecule probes. This report outlines how the ICG functions, how researchers can take advantage of its screening, chemistry and informatic capabilities, and provides a brief summary of some of the many important research findings (subscription required).