Gene test for cancer care
A new genetic test could help doctors avoid unnecessary treatment for women with breast cancer, new research has shown.
Measuring how different tumour genes react can indicate how women are likely to respond to a chemotherapy drug, scientists found.
Researchers from Baylor college of Medicine in Houston, Texas, looked at the 'expression' of certain genes.
This describes the 'volume' at which genes operate.
A gene with a high expression level produces more of a specific protein and has a greater biological effect.
The study showed that tumours sensitive to the drug docetaxel had higher expression of genes.
Dr Chang, whose findings appeared in the Lancet medical journal, said: "This study helps to define the molecular portrait of cancers that respond or not to docetaxel, one of the most active agents in breast cancer treatment.
The new test could now help doctors design the most suitable treatment for patients, including alternative therapies if docetaxel is ineffective.
"This could reduce unproductive treatment, unnecessary toxicity, and overall cost," Dr Chang added.
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