Microarrays in cancer research

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Cancer's polygenic nature presents challenges for traditional research.
• Microarray technology offers a powerful tool for simultaneous evaluation of cellular processes.
• Identifying molecular markers is crucial for improving cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate genes and pathways involved in various cancers.
• To identify novel molecular markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
• To integrate clinical and molecular data for comprehensive cancer research.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing multiple microarray platforms (Affimetrix, Oligo-Chips, cDNA arrays) to analyze gene expression profiles.
• Developing a secure relational database to integrate clinical and histopathological data with gene expression data.
• Implementing stringent protocols for tissue acquisition, processing, and RNA integrity to ensure sample quality.

Main Results:

• Over 300 patients enrolled across multiple cancer types, with a focus on breast cancer.
• Development of protocols for tissue acquisition and processing to maintain sample and RNA integrity.
• Establishment of a comprehensive clinical database linked to gene expression data for multi-level analysis.

Conclusions:

• Seamless integration of clinical and molecular data is essential for advancing cancer research.
• Microarray technology holds significant promise for discovering new molecular markers in oncology.
• This collaborative effort aims to provide critical insights into cancer biology and treatment strategies.