2011 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2011. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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Why is there no "cure" for cancer?
     Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: I currently study mouse models of primary immunodeficiencies (genetic diseases that impair the ability of the immune system to fight infections) and how specific disorders affect responses to infectious diseases. Cancer is a name for many different diseases that are associated with uncontrolled growth. Cancer is generally associated with multiple genetic changes--thus it can be very difficult to treat. Nonetheless, in the last 5-10 years, there have been spectacular treatments developed for specific cancers, based on the genetic changes associated with that particular cancers. That is part of the importance of analyzing the "Cancer genome".
Peru High School in IN (9th grade student)

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