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Understanding Cancer Series

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  • Posted: 12/29/2009

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Slide 3

:

The Challenge: Cancer Genome Meets Patient's Genetic Background

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Differences observed among individuals in terms of their risk or response to chemotherapy point to the tremendous challenge involved in dealing with cancer, a disease of genomic instability. Even when a genome-wide profile of cancerous tissue reveals the molecular changes present there, the diagnosis is incomplete. Information about a person's medical history and genetic background also must be included in the case.

Graphic shows that the man with cancer has had cells within his body change over time from a normal growth pattern to uncontrolled growth, while his friend has normal cells only.