
Corresponding author Xiaotu Ma, Ph.D., (left) with corresponding Jinghui Zhang, Ph.D., illustrates the significantly decreased error rate using CleanDeepSeq.
Everyone knows that removing hay makes it easier to spot the needle. Now St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists have created a tool to locate the mutations that signal cancer’s return. The finding may give cancer patients head starts on cures.
The new software greatly reduced error rates in next-generation sequencing data. Fewer errors make it easier to separate true mutations from sequencing mistakes.
“Early detection of cancer or cancer relapse is like finding a need in a haystack,” said Xiaotu Ma, PhD, of Computational Biology. “Early on, the number of cancer cells is overwhelmed by the number of normal cells.
“This method helps eliminate the hay and makes it easier to find the needle, or in this case the cancer.”
Soon doctors will be able to use the software to quickly diagnose relapse and other problems.
A report on this work appeared in Genome Biology.
More Information
-
St. Jude Newsroom
Visit the St. Jude newsroom to read our latest news, find media relations contacts and explore resources for journalists and bloggers.
-
Research at St. Jude
At St. Jude, science matters. From molecular breakthroughs to innovative therapies, our research discovers the cures of tomorrow, and saves children's lives today.
-
Research News & Publications
Browse the latest peer-reviewed articles from St. Jude investigators and clinicians, as well as breaking news, in-depth features and our Scientific Report.
-
About St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
-
Clinical & Research Innovation
At St. Jude, we dream big, and build our research programs to match. Explore just a few of the pioneering initiatives that make St. Jude different.
-
Careers
St. Jude is a world-class research hospital seeking a diverse staff of faculty, researchers, clinicians, fundraisers and more. Find a job and help save lives.
-
Education and Training
St. Jude offers world-class scientific and clinical training experiences for fellows, students and other trainees. We also share knowledge through international outreach.