Using whole-genome sequencing researchers found that small cell lung cancer (SCLC) occurs when both copies of two separate genes responsible for tumor suppression are switched off.
The research team hopes this discovery will help the development of new treatments for SCLC, which usually results in patient-death within months.
Researchers sequenced the genome of 110 tumor specimens and found that in all but two cases both copies of the genes, one from each parent, TP53 and RB1 were inactive.
Original research paper published in Nature on July 13, 2015.
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