British study examines genetic test to improve chemotherapy results

Sep 29, 2009

British scientists are developing and studying a new genetic test to improve the odds for cancer patients and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. The genetic test looks at DNA that is extracted from a tiny blood sample to predict how patients will respond to chemotherapy drugs. The results of the test can help doctors to lower doses and reduce side effects for some patients, or to help treat other patients more aggressively. If the current trial is a success, the new genetic test could be used in as little as five years.

Chemotherapy works by using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing and spreading, but it also damages healthy cells and creates unpleasant side effects. Further complicating the matter, each cancer patient reacts differently to various cancer drugs, which makes it difficult for doctors to figure out the correct dosage. Side effects can range from hair loss, nausea and upset stomach to kidney damage and permanent nerve damage.

The new genetic test is designed to look at how individual patients respond to certain platinum-based cancer drugs. Patients currently receive standardized treatments where the effect on individual patients is unknown at the start, but the test should make chemotherapy outcomes more predictable. This would improve patients’ chances and also save money.

For the full story, go to Mail Online.

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