Cancer researchers in Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) and their colleagues from the international Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, have identified new drivers of adrenal cancer. International scientific program included teams from 39 countries, that performed a comprehensive genomic analysis as part of the renowned “Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network”. The results were published by the scientists in Cancer Cell.
Würzburg study names new drivers of rare cancer type, among them are several new genes that lead to the activation of cancer. Actually the number of known genetic drivers was doubling after researches, said Professor Martin Fassnacht, European coordinator of the study from Würzburg University Hospital (WUH). Moreover, Professor noted that data have implications for the diagnosis and prognosis of adrenal cancer. Scientific results will help to understand how new gene mutations contribute to adrenal tumor formation and development.
JMU has a long history of cancer research. In 2003, the Center of Endocrinology and Diabetology of the WUH established the German Adrenocortical Carcinoma Registry. In 2009, this organization was integrated into the 1st European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors. That is why the Würzburg team participated in the Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network. International collaboration is the key factor for current research on rare types of cancer.
