Common bladder cancer sequenced for first time

A new international research initiative has resulted in the first genetic sequencing of one of the most prevalent forms of bladder cancer.

The University of Colorado Cancer Center has allied with facilities in China and Denmark to create a genetic profile of urothelial carcinoma, the single most common bladder cancer type.

It was found that the majority of patients possess mutations in genes responsible for chromatin remodelling, a key process involved in cell division, which could be playing a key role in the development of the disease.

By recognising and confirming the significance of these mutations, scientists will be able to develop new genetic tests for diagnosis of the condition, as well as potential therapy options.

Dr Dan Theodorescu, director the University of Colorado Cancer Center, added: "We are currently well underway in performing similar sequencing with Caucasian subjects to determine if the mutations in the Caucasian population are similar to those seen in this study's Asian subjects."

According to Cancer Research UK data, bladder cancer is mostly prevalent in older men than any other group and has been linked to smoking and use of chemicals at work.