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About EDRN
A quick introduction to EDRN, its organization, and more.
Greetings!
In the 19th century, pathologists used the newly invented microscope to investigate the nature of cancer as well as other diseases. Along with improvements in tissue processing, the microscope took pathologists from gross anatomy to microscopic analysis, which eventually led to a new pathology. This new pathology culminated in Virchow’s concept that the fundamental changes in disease can be attributed to alterations in the cells of the body. The application of molecular technologies with minimally intrusive surgical techniques has laid the foundation for a revolutionary leap in the science of screening, early diagnosis and target-based therapy for cancer. Fueled by the discovery of cancer-specific biomarkers, and aided by pathological improvements, molecular-based tests are in the not-too-distant future to perform noninvasive diagnosis on patients. The NCI’s Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) is committed to make molecular diagnostics a reality that will allow physicians to provide individualized treatment to cancer patients. The EDRN is committed to provide up-to-date information on biomarker research through this Website and scientific publications.
