Improved screening methods likely following new insights into Barrett's esophagus, cancer evolution

A new appreciation of how cancer cells evolve could help scientists design better screening methods to catch cancer before it advances.Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center studying the precancerous condition Barrett's esophagus have shown that rather than resulting from a steady accumulation of small genetic mutations, cancer arises a few years after cells begin to undergo large, drastic mutations. This insight could help researchers detect cells on the cusp of becoming malignant and distinguish benign from dangerous pre-cancerous conditions.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer / Oncology Source Type: news