This series explored how genomics research is used to study cancer, how research techniques advance our understanding of cancer, and how this may inform treatment.

Dr Elizabeth Coker explores how genomics can aid our understanding of cancer, and how this can aid in the design of cancer drugs.

Alastair Droop joined us to discuss how artificial intelligence is being used in cancer and health care, and the ethics of AI.

Learning Resources

What is cancer?

• Cancer is the most common human genetic disease. Find out more about how cancer disrupts the cell cycle.
• Cancer is often caused by a genetic mutation – use this resource to find out more about the different types of genetic mutation, or catch up with Genomics Lite: Human Genetic Variation.
• Understanding cancer can be a personal journey, especially for those affected by it. Explore #flowcellular – a sci-art collaboration seeking to understand cancer through playful use of food and conversation.

How can genomics help us understand and treat cancer?

• Genomics can help researchers identify genes associated with specific cancers, which can lead to the development of targeted drugs. This video highlights how DNA sequencing was used to identify that the gene BRAF is commonly mutated in malignant melanoma:

• Genomics can also develop our understanding of hereditary cancers, such as colorectal cancer, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis.

How is cancer treated?

• There are a number of treatment options for cancer, depending on its stage and location. Watch this video to understand why different treatments are used for different cancers:

• Pharmocogenomics can be used to target specific genetic mutations within cancer genes.
• The use of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in diagnosing and treating conditions is increasing. Watch this video to find out more about how AI might transform healthcare:

Careers relating to cancer

• There are a number of different careers related to cancer, including being a specialist doctor or cancer research. You can use the NHS Career Explorer to find out more about what type of medical career might suit you.
• Watch these videos to get an idea of what types of cancer-related careers there are:

Activity: KRAS Cancer Mutation

• Use real genomic data to find mutations in a gene associated with pancreatic, lung and colorectal cancers, in our KRAS: Cancer Mutation activity.