NIH researchers identify striking genomic signature shared by 5 types of cancer

(NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute) National Institutes of Health researchers have identified a striking signature in tumor DNA that occurs in five different types of cancer. The specific signature results from a chemical modification of DNA called methylation, which can control the expression of genes like a dimmer on a light switch. Based on this advance, the researchers hope to spur development of a blood test that can be used to diagnose a variety of cancers at early stages.