Genomic Alterations
Genomic alterations are changes in the human genome. These changes take place on our genes and can affect the way they function. In cancer, these alterations cause our cells to either lose their ability to control proliferation, or lose their ability to repair damages.
The detection of these genomic alterations is important for two main reasons:
- To detect the mutations that are causing the cancer to grow. These are called “driver mutations” and help us detect and understand the root of the problem.
- To specify the targeted treatments that are designed to block the activity of these altered genes.
Fusion Gene
A gene made by joining parts of two different genes.
Fusion genes, and the fusion proteins that come from them, may be made in the laboratory, or made naturally in the body when part of the DNA from one chromosome moves to another chromosome. Fusion proteins produced by this change may lead to the development of some types of cancer. Fusion genes and proteins may be found in several types of cancer and are being studied in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
