New tech ‘Dome’ to identify rare mutations of cancer

Dome represents an advanced computer program designed to scrutinize the genetic composition of tumours across a diverse cohort of cancer patients. It goes beyond detecting mutations, instead focusing on their precise locations within genes.

3 min readPuneUpdated: Mar 17, 2024 08:23 AM IST

Researchers developed the tools at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer in Mumbai's Tata Memorial Centre. (Express Photo)

Picture a haystack brimming with needles, symbolising a large number of mutations prevalent in cancer. Conventional methods prioritise the larger, more prevalent needles -the common mutations – which are easier to detect. Yet, amid this sea of mutations lie smaller and rarer needles – singleton mutations – which are often overlooked and may hold the key to understanding cancer development.

At the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, researchers, led by Dr Amit Dutt (who is now with the Department of Genetics, University of Delhi), have developed a unique tool to detect these rare mutations.

“These rare mutations, often overlooked, could harbour critical insights into variants of unknown significance (VUS), crucial for understanding the disease,” Dr Dutt told The Indian Express.

Dr Dutt, along with lead author Sanket Desai, Suhail Ahmed, and others, have pioneered a groundbreaking tool known as Dome (Domain Driver Mutation Estimator). “This new tool for detecting rare mutations has the potential to impact the field of oncology by helping doctors understand the nuances of these changes in individual patients,” said Dr Dutt. The study has been published in NAR Cancer, a highly prestigious Oxford Press Journal.

How Dome operates

Dome represents an advanced computer program designed to scrutinize the genetic composition of tumours across a diverse cohort of cancer patients. It goes beyond detecting mutations, instead focusing on their precise locations within genes.

“Genes comprise distinct sections known as domains, each endowed with specific functionalities. Mutations occurring within these domains are more likely to disrupt protein function, potentially contributing to cancer progression,” said Dr Dutt.

Sanket Desai, the lead author of the study explained, “Dome meticulously analyzes the positioning of mutations, particularly those akin to established cancer-causing mutations or those resistant to current therapies. The primary emphasis lies on mutations within conserved protein domains that are important for protein function.”

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How this new tech will benefit patients

By pinpointing novel rare mutations implicated in cancer, Dome facilitates the development of therapies tailored to each patient’s unique cancer profile. The ability to analyze variants of unknown significance, based on the gene-specific locations, can help predict cancer progression in the patient. This insight equips clinicians with pertinent information for treatment decision-making. The tool that was recently developed has been able to identify 32,917 novel mutations of significance that are likely to be associated with cancer.
Way forward

“Dome is likely to emerge as a formidable tool poised to integrate seamlessly into the arsenal of every oncologist, aiding in the design of precision medicine tailored to individual patient mutation profiles,” said Dr Dutt.

While Dome presently focuses on a specific subset of mutations within genes, the importance of other mutation types cannot be discounted. Validation of its predictions through further research remains imperative to ascertain their clinical relevance.

“Despite these considerations, Dome represents a monumental stride in the identification of rare cancer mutations. This tool serves as a key to unlocking the enigma shrouded within these mutations, paving the way for more personalized and efficacious cancer therapies in the years to come.” said Suhail Ahmed, the second author of the study.

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. With a career spanning three decades, she is one of the most respected voices in Indian journalism regarding healthcare, science and environment and research developments. She also takes a keen interest in covering women's issues . Professional Background Education: A gold medalist in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a Master’s degree in Literature. Author: She authored the biography At The Wheel Of Research, which chronicles the life and work of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist at the WHO. Key Focus: She combines scientific accuracy with storytelling, translating complex medical research into compelling public and human-interest narratives. Awards and Recognition Anuradha has won several awards including the Press Council of India's national award for excellence in journalism under the gender based reporting category in 2019 and the Laadli Media award (gender sensitivity -2024). A recipient of the Lokmat journalism award (gender category-2022), she was also shortlisted for the RedInk awards for excellence in journalism-2021. Her debut book At The Wheel Of Research, an exclusive biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan the inaugural chief scientist of World Health Organisation was also nominated in the Popular Choice Category of JK Paper AUTHER awards. She has also secured competitive fellowships including the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022), the Survivors Against TB – New Research in TB Media Fellowship (2023) and is part of the prestigious 2025 India Cohort of the WomenLift Health Leadership Journey.” Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) 1. Cancer & Specialized Medical Care "Tata Memorial finds way to kill drug-resistant cancer cells" (Nov 26, 2025): Reporting on a breakthrough for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Discipline, diet and purpose; How a 97-year-old professor defies ageing'' (Nov 15, 2025) Report about Prof Gururaj Mutalik, the first Head of Department at Pune's B J Government Medical College who at 97 credits his longevity to healthy habits and a strong sense of purpose. 2. Environmental Health (The "Breathless Pune" Series) Long-term exposure even to 'moderate' air leads to chronic heart, lung, kidney issues" (Nov 26, 2025): Part of an investigative series highlighting that even "safe" pollution levels are damaging to vital organs. "For every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 level, there was 6-8% jump in medicine sales" (Nov 23, 2025): Using commercial data to prove the direct link between air quality and respiratory illnesses in Pune. 3. Lifestyle & Wellness News "They didn't let cancer, diabetes and heart disease stop them from travelling" (Dec 22, 2025): A collaborative piece featuring survivors who share practical tips for traveling with chronic conditions. At 17, his BP shot up to 200/120 mmHG; Lancet study flags why child and teen hypertension doubled between 2000 and 2020'' (Nov 12,2025)--A report that focusses on 17-year-old-boy's hypertensive crisis and reflects the rising global trend of high blood pressure among children and adolescents. 4. Scientific Recognition & Infrastructure For promoting sci-comm, gender diversity: IUCAA woman prof highlighted in Nature" (Nov 25, 2025): Covering the global recognition of Indian women scientists in gender studies and physics. Pune researchers find a spiral galaxy like the Milky Way from early universe'' (December 3, 2025)- A report on how Indian researchers discovered a massive galaxy that existed when the universe was just 1.5 billion years old , one of the earliest to have been observed so far. Signature Beat: Health, Science & Women in Leadership Anuradha is known for her COVID-19 reportage, where she was one of the first journalists to provide detailed insights into the Covishield and Covaxin trials. She has a dedicated interest in gender diversity in health and science, often profiling women researchers who are breaking the "leaky pipeline" in STEM fields. Her writing style is scrupulous, often featuring interviews with top-tier scientists and health experts from various institutions. ... Read More

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