News > Scientists find ‘treasure trove’ of 58 genetic clues of cancer

Scientists find ‘treasure trove’ of 58 genetic clues of cancer

In the biggest study of its kind, a team of scientists led by Professor Serena Nik-Zainal from Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) and the University of Cambridge, analyzed the complete genetic make-up or whole-genome sequences of more than 12,000 NHS cancer patients.

The researchers were able to detect patterns in the DNA of cancer — or mutational signatures — that provide clues about whether a patient has had past exposure to environmental causes of cancer such as smoking or UV light or has internal or cellular malfunctions.