Brain tumor gene mapping project launches in Seattle

The Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project will track genetic mutations in glioblastoma multiforme and produce a free, online medical atlas. The Seattle-based project is a partnership between the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation, the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and the Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute.

Research on the Glioblastoma Atlas Project (GAP) is slated for completion in 2013. The resulting atlas information will then be made available online for free use by the global medical and scientific communities.

GAP will target 1,000 genes, which were selected for study by a panel of physician scientists and medical professionals led by Greg Foltz, MD, co-director of the Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment. Dr. Foltz will serve as the lead investigator on the atlas.