Sir James Spence Institute
The laboratory in the Sir James Spence Institute on the RVI site was refurbished in 2009 to house the Leukaemia Research Cytogenetics group and now also houses the medulloblastoma research team.
The provision of specialist microscopes and associated software enable scientists in the group to analyse cells stained for fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). This method allows accurate detection of chromosomal damage, such as deletions, translocations or amplifications. Chromosomal abnormalities represent valuable disease-specific markers that assist in our understanding of cancer and leukaemia development. Importantly, they can help to predict individual prognosis (i.e. likely disease outcome), which helps us to consider treatment options and the risks involved.
Powerful computers are available for assessing data from the analysis of the entire genetic code of patients with leukaemia or medulloblastoma. These silicon chips or arrays can detect changes which are too small to be seen using the FISH technique.
The laboratory houses the national database for the characterisation of chromosomal changes in leukaemia – a resource recognised to be of international importance.
