According to Siepel, the new technology represents a significant advancement over previous methods. Traditionally, researchers relied on a mix of imaging techniques and whole-genome sequencing, which often required considerable time and financial resources without guaranteeing enhanced accuracy. In contrast, Siepel notes that:
This innovative readout offers a more comprehensive understanding of how cancer disseminates, providing researchers with valuable insights. This newfound clarity has the potential to pave the way for significant breakthroughs. CSHL postdoc Armin Scheben elaborates:
If successful, this approach could result in the development of new, targeted therapies. Although the journey ahead is long, the ability to map cancer’s spread may one day allow for interventions that can halt its progression.
Funding Sources
The research has received support from several esteemed organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program, Cancer Research UK, AIRC – Italian Foundation for Cancer Research, and The Starr Foundation.
Citation
Serio, R., et al. (2024). “Clonal Lineage Tracing with Somatic Delivery of Recordable Barcodes Reveals Migration Histories of Metastatic Prostate Cancer.” Cancer Discovery, September 23, 2024. DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-23-1332.
