In a breakthrough new development, US researchers on Monday revealed an effort, for the first ever time, to try and map the genetic modifications of some common pediatric cancers in order to gain more knowledge about the underlying details of the diseases. The initiative will lead to development of new and better treatment methods.

While contributions would be made by international members as well, the study will specifically be undertaken by researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who have set out on a three-year long, $65 Million mission to decode and map the genomes of over 600 cancer patients.

Funds for the initiative will come from private institutions including Kay Jewelers, a division of Signet Jewelers Ltd., which is contributing $20 Million.

Cancer cells obtained from patients would be compared with normal cells to highlight the changes and differences.

"For the first time in history we have the tools to identify all of the genetic abnormalities that turn a white blood cell into leukemia or a brain cell into brain cancer", said Dr. William Evans, St. Jude's Director.