UPSC Articles
The 2nd Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) inaugurated
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health
In news
- The Ministry of Science & Technology has inaugurated the 2nd Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) 2020 Conference.
Key takeaways
- TCGA is a landmark project started in 2005 by the US-based National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).
- The idea was to make a catalogue of the genetic mutations that cause cancer.
- Tumour samples and blood samples were collected from patients.
- They were processed using gene sequencing and bioinformatics.
- The TCGA has generated over 2.5 petabytes of data for over 11,000 patients.
- The data has been used to develop new approaches to diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.
- Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has also been initiated in India by a consortium of key stakeholders led by CSIR in which several government agencies, cancer hospitals, academic institutions and private sector partners.
- Aim: To improve clinical outcomes in cancer and other chronic diseases.
Do you know?
- According to the World Cancer Report by the WHO, one in 10 Indians develops cancer during their lifetime and one in 15 dies of the disease.
