New DNA mutation discovered by B.C. researchers

Updated: Mon Jan. 18 2010 13:50:13

The Canadian Press

B.C. cancer researchers say they’ve discovered a DNA mutation that plays a role in lymphoma — the fifth most common form of cancer and one that grows the quickest.

The B.C. Cancer Agency says the discovery is important because cancer-related DNA mutations are usually found in different sites but this one is found in exactly the same location every time, even among different lymphoma patients.

Dr. Joseph Connors of the Cancer Agency says the mutation can be used as a marker to help diagnose the disease and lead to treatments that might target only the cancerous cells.

Agency president Dr. David Levy says new treatments could give patients longer lives and a better quality of life.

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