RESEARCH HOW CANCER RESEARCH IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Two researchers from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research share how their work is giving hope to those living with a rare form of cancer – sarcoma. Dr Mandy Ballinger, Genetic Cancer Risk Group Leader and Professor David Thomas, Head of Cancer Research and Director of The Kinghorn Cancer Centre (pictured above), between them have over 40 years of research experience. “We’re aiming to improve outcomes for individuals and families impacted by sarcoma,” the researchers said. They began the International Sarcoma Kindred Study (ISKS) in 2009 in Australia. Can Too Foundation invested in the researcher’s program – Garvan Institute’s Genomic Cancer Medicine Program (GCMP) In 2016. What are sarcomas? Sarcomas grow in connective tissue – cells that connect or support other kinds of tissue. These tumours are most common in the bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat, and blood vessels of limbs.* Dr Ballinger and Professor Thomas began the ISKS study to create a resource to investigate the heritability of sarcoma. What does heritability mean? In regards to how much nature or nurture contributes to a disease, in scientific research ‘being
genetically caused’ usually corresponds to having a high estimated heritability. Geneticists quantify the proportion that genes contribute using a heritability estimate, represented as h². When traits are claimed to be genetic, this usually means that they have a high heritability estimate.** There are almost 3,000 families impacted by sarcoma participating in the study worldwide. The researchers ask family members to donate a blood sample and answer questions about cancer in the family. The research is aiming to understand the genetic drivers of sarcomas including osteosarcoma. If they can identify individuals at greatest risk of developing sarcoma, they are able to put surveillance mechanisms in place so that things are picked up early. Understanding the genetic causes of sarcoma also impacts on treatment options, prevention strategies, reproductive and lifestyle choices. The researcher’s message to the Can Too community is simple.
“Without the support of the community, we simply cannot do our work. Medical research is essential to developing new treatments, tests, earlier diagnosis and, ultimately, prevention of cancer for all.”
*WebMD, Sarcoma, n.d, viewed: 21.1.18: < https://www.webmd.com/cancer/sarcoma#1> **The Conversation, Explainer: what is heritability? 2013, viewed: 21.1.18: < http://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-heritability-21334>
