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Events & News
Cancer research could lead to improved detection methods
Released by the University of Liverpool Press Department on 14th April 2005
Liverpool University scientists have developed a technique to help early cancer detection. There is currently no established test to detect the cancer’s early presence.
Prof John Field and Dr Lakis Liloglou, of the university’s cancer research centre, described their new methodology this week at the American Association of Cancer Research annual meeting in Anaheim .
The technology was developed in collaboration with Sequenom, as US company specialising in DNA analysis equipment, and Methexis Genomics, a Belgian company, which has developed an innovative method for the rapid analysis of gene sequences using a mass spectrometer.
The technique is a reliable version of an established method of DNA methylation analysis. Methylation is one way in which genetic structure can be altered, especially by smoking. It is also associated with cancer where it may switch particular genes “off” or “on”. So methylation of particular genes may be an early marker for cancer. All that would be needed would be a blood sample or washings from the patient’s lungs.
Notes to editors
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The University of Liverpool is one of the UK's leading research institutions with a prodigious spread of expertise - from the humanities and social sciences to engineering, science, veterinary science and medicine. It attracts collaborative and contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international organisations - commissions valued at more than £80 million annually.
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Kate Spark
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(out of hours +44 (0) 7970 247391)
kate.spark@liv.ac.uk
Joanna Robotham
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+44 (0) 151 794 2026
(out of hours +44 (0) 7970 247396)
joanna.robotham@liv.ac.uk
Samantha Martin
Assistant Press Officer
+44 (0) 151 794 2248
(out of hours +44 (0) 7973 247836)
samantha.martin@liv.ac.uk |
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