The National Molecular Genetics Lab for Cancer Research was opened at the N.N. Alexandrov National Cancer Center of Belarus. The lab is a unique institution not only for the CIS but also for Europe. In fact it is a small research institute. The lab will help raise diagnostics, monitoring and individualized chemotherapy to a qualitatively new level in Belarus. The lab will also engage in advanced fundamental and applied research.
The laboratory includes six departments: proteomics, virology, immunology, biochip technology, genetics and cell technologies. The laboratory is kitted out with the most advanced and high-tech equipment and boasts highly qualified personnel.
The proteomics department deals with proteins. According to department head Viktor Matusevich, in tumor cells changes occur in genes, as result of which pathologic proteins get into blood, urine, lymph, etc. and are determined in very small quantities. "In modern oncology this is taken into account to make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. In addition, we can determine the concentration of chemotherapy in patients' blood, and a chemotherapeutist can adjust the dose,” he said.
The laboratory is fitted with up-to-date expensive equipment. For example, a high-performance liquid chromatograph provides vast opportunities in studying tumors at a molecular level. The device is used to identify the amount and type of substances in blood plasma and tumor tissues.
Another unique device is a laser microdissection unit. The system enables targeted dissection of single cells or groups of cells for subsequent genomic and proteomic studies. The mass-spectrometer identifies different substances (protein, carcinogens, low-molecular compounds, pharmaceutical drugs) in extra low concentrations in any biological material. “Depending on the concentration of some proteins it is possible to alter the treatment schedule of patients with cancer. Besides, we can open new proteins specific for certain tumors and unknown until today,” said Viktor Matusevich.
Head of the immunology department Yulia Gulyayeva noted that the department conducts research in several areas. First of all, it studies the immunological status of cancer patients to assess the capacities of their bodies before surgery or special treatment, which helps prevent complications. Another important aspect of work is corrective and differential diagnosis of lymphomas, leukemias, and immunodeficiency diseases.
Specialists of the immunology department also determine the hormonal status of patients, which is an important stage of the differential diagnosis of hormone-producing tumors and a criterion for prescribing hormone therapy. This helps design effective individual treatment regimens.
The oncologic virology department is focused on studying the viruses that result in neoplastic processes. In particular, viral hepatitis can result in liver cancer. Human papilloma virus can cause cervical cancer. This is why the identification of viral agents allows early diagnostics. As far as cancer patients are concerned, the practice allows monitoring treatment effectiveness. Apart from that, the department identifies tumor markers in blood stream as an important stage in diagnosing oncological diseases and evaluating treatment effectiveness.
For the first time in the CIS and the European region the department will offer screening tests for intestine cancer, which morbidity rate rises in Belarus every year. In 2001-2010 the number of patients diagnosed with colon cancer increased by 40% every year. Head of the department Yelena Gapeyenko noted that the screening tests are quite necessary and anyone is free to take them.
According to Andrei Babenko, head of the biochip technology department, they focus on achieving several major goals. One of them is the assimilation of modern high-performance technologies to analyze thousands of broken DNAs. Results of the research can be used later on for individualized treatment and for preventing hereditary forms of cancer in healthy people. The second goal is the development of Belarusian test systems using DNA chips and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) techniques.
The cancer genetics department conducts research to reveal genetic defects in tumor cells. The department specializes in three areas. First, it studies the genetic risks of cancer in healthy persons. Second, experts create a genetic portrait of a tumor and determine the stage of aggression, then they use these data to work out individual treatment methods. Besides, specialists of the department analyze tumor sensitivity to concrete anticancer agents.
Specialists of the cell technology department have two areas of focus: they work with stem cells for transplantation and create anticancer vaccines and cellular components (for example, for the regeneration of tissues and organs of cancer patients). In the future the facility will focus on the production of artificial tissues and organs.
These departments will take an individual approach to every patient and will offer effective cancer treatment methods taking into account individual peculiarities of the body and the process of tumor growth.
Svetlana VASILEVSKAYA,
Photo by Alexander DIDEVICH
