New gene test could hold key to chemotherapy receptiveness

A new gene test investigated by scientists is said to be able to predict how well a cancer patient will respond to chemotherapy.

The Cancer Research-led study found a method to scan genes found in breast cancer tumour cells to find those which, if missing or faulty, would prevent the chemotherapy drug Taxol from working effectively.

It is hoped the new test could mean patients do not have to undertake unnecessary treatment as it will determine whether they are likely to respond to the use of Taxol before it is administered.

Lead author Dr Charles Swanton, head of translational cancer therapeutics at Cancer Research UK’s London Research Institute, said: “It is hoped that this research is a step towards more rapid developments in this type of personalised medicine.”

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer information, added that this showed the importance of laboratory research in the discovery and establishment of better methods of treating cancer.