Discovery: genes determine the life expectancy of cancer patients

A new study, carried out by scientists from the United States, involved 365 people suffering from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The tumor could be removed surgically. The researchers have found that the life expectancy of patients depends on changes in the four genes, The Indian Express reports.

After surgical interventions, the scientists extracted and decoded the DNA of the affected and normal tissues. The experts focused on KRAS, CDKN2A, SMAD4 and TP53 genes. The study has shown that relapse occurred more quickly in participants with changes in 3 or 4 genes. In addition, the overall survival rate was lower compared to the patients who had changes in 1 or 2 genes.

In addition, researchers from the University of Melbourne claim that pancreatic cancer is not a single disease, but four different diseases. Each of these diseases is associated with different genes and chances of survival. Due to this the therapy should be different. The genomes of 456 people with pancreatic cancer have been studied for 7 years. The experts have revealed 10 genetic pathways and 32 genes mutated in tumors constantly.

Source: The Indian Express.