‘Bond villain’ DNA could transform cancer treatment, scientists say

Discovery that extrachromosomal DNA act as cancer-causing genes seen as breakthrough that could lead to new therapies

Scientists have pinpointed pieces of DNA which, they say, act like Bond villains in the way they help cancers spread. These microscopic agents have also been shown to be responsible for helping tumours gain resistance to anti-cancer drugs.

The discovery of these bits of genetic material - known as extrachromosomal DNA or ecDNA - could revolutionise the treatments of some of the most aggressive tumours that affect people today, add the researchers.