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| |  fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Release Date: 3rd September 2002
Scientists at the University of Oxford will be using special technology to carry out vital cancer research, thanks to a grant of £102,000 from the Leukaemia Research Fund (LRF).
Professor David Mason’s research team - based at the John Radcliffe Hospital - will use a screening technique called FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) to probe for genetic errors in lymphoma, a cancer of the blood that affects nearly 9,000 people each year.
"This technique has already been used successfully to pinpoint gene abnormalities implicated in leukaemia," Professor Mason says. "We are confident that we can also apply this technique to gather new information about lymphoma, a cancer of the blood related to leukaemia, and in particular use it for practical diagnosis.
“This has not been widely performed before because of technical obstacles when using tissue samples, but we think that these can now be overcome," he adds.
All cancers arise from alterations in the structure and behaviour of the genes controlling cell division, maturation and death. These changes can be small, for example tiny mutations of DNA, or relatively large, such as part of one chromosome swapping with another (known as a translocation).
With FISH technology, specific regions on human chromosomes can be selectively labelled for viewing under the microscope. Any genetic damage can then be recorded to build up a picture of the alterations that underlie the development of diseases such as lymphoma and leukaemia.
Dr David Grant, Scientific Director of the Leukaemia Research Fund comments: "This work is absolutely crucial. As we build up a picture of the genetic mistakes that occur in different forms of lymphoma, it potentially paves the way for better treatments.
"We will carry on supporting the best research programmes in the country until we reach our goal, a routine cure for all cancers of the blood."
Leukaemia Research Fund is the only national UK charity devoted exclusively to improving treatments, finding cures and learning how to prevent leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease and other lymphomas, myeloma and the related blood disorders, diagnosed in 21,500 people in Britain every year.
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