Cytogenetics
Background
A rapidly increasing knowledge in the Human Genome has shed light on both congenital and acquired genetic aberrations associated with disease and in particular with malignancy. Specific molecular gene rearrangements are associated with specific conditions and are becoming targets for both diagnosis and therapeutic purposes. Molecular Cytogenetics is a highly specialized discipline, which serve to detect characterize and monitor these specific gene alterations in the context of disease. These tests have thus a high information value for diagnostic, prognostic and treatment follow up.
The Molecular Cytogenetics Unit has for broad objective to develop evaluate and implement efficient molecular diagnostic techniques with an emphasis on carcinogenesis. The diagnostic activity represents the largest in the country in the field of molecular cytogenetics with approximately 3700 tests in 2006 representing a 20% increase compared to last year in all 3 main diagnostic activities (cytogenetics, FISH and RT-PCR).
Mission
- To deliver a service of excellence in the field of molecular cancer genetics, to further research and expertise in this field, advise on teaching and patient management strategy.
- To develop, evaluate and implement cost efficient molecular diagnostic techniques, in order to provide for best patient s? management in keeping with the latest technological developments and in a market congruent and cost effective manner.
- To identify genes involved in the initiation/ progression of cancer and develop appropriate screening tools.
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To lead the country in this highly specialized field of expertise.
Teaching activities
The unit is mostly involved in the training of scientists: Honors, MsC and phD students on a continuous basis. In addition the unit fully participated to the teaching of the 2nd and 3rd year Medical Students. Training of registrarswith MMed lectures, registrars training in cytogenetics was initiated in 2006. Training and teaching of Medical technologist students occurs on a regular basis.