Gene analysis ‘can predict lung cancer survival time’

New research has revealed that genetic analysis of lung cancer cells can help to predict survival times among patients.

Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that nuclear hormone receptor genes expressed in tumours of non-small cell lung cancer sufferers can offer an accurate indication of the patient's prognosis.

This builds on the existing knowledge of the link between cancer and these specific genes, which are targeted by many front-line cancer therapies.

According to the researchers, this latest discovery could now pave the way for further findings regarding which drugs can kill lung cancer cells expressing specific genetic patterns.

Dr David Mangelsdorf, chairman of pharmacology at UT Southwestern, said: "These findings are important because the ability to determine which genes are being expressed in each person's tumour … can guide physicians to the most effective and appropriate personalised treatments."

According to Cancer Research UK, lung cancer is the second most common form of the illness in the country.