NYT: In Battling Cancer, a Genome Project Is Proposed

[DeepModem Mom]

In Battling Cancer, a Genome Project Is Proposed
By ANDREW POLLACK

Published: March 28, 2005


Opening a new front in the battle against cancer, federal officials are planning to compile a complete catalog of the genetic abnormalities that characterize it.

The proposed Human Cancer Genome Project, as it is being called for now, would be greater in scale than the Human Genome Project, which mapped the human genetic blueprint. It would seek to determine the DNA sequence of thousands of tumor samples, looking for mutations that give rise to cancer or sustain it.

Proponents say a databank of all such mutations, which would be freely available to researchers, would provide invaluable clues for developing new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.

***

The project would cost roughly $1.35 billion over nine years, but where the money will come from is still uncertain. For now, the government is likely to start with some smaller pilot projects, officials said.

Some scientists are dubious about the cost and are concerned that a big science project could take money away from smaller ones run by individual scientists....


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/28/health/28cancer.html?hp&ex=1111986000&en=b59a996462e95c16&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[GarySeven]

1. This is interfering with God's Holy Plan

all real Americans - that is, of course, Christians - should oppose any such government intervention into His holy will. The artificial extension of life is meddling in God's affairs.

[arcos]

2. except in Terri Schiavo's case, of course...

;)

[sally343434]

3. $1.35 Billion over nine years

That's a paltry $150 million per year -- less than the amount spent on Bush's fake news, less than 10 hours' worth of expense in Iraq. But I guess we can't fund it since it isn't a subsidiary of Halliburton.