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Breast cancer
treatment could be revolutionised by a project aimed at recording
the genetic "fingerprints" of every version of the disease.
The information
could help doctors in the future devise tailor made therapies for
individual patients, providing the best chance of a cure.
The Institute
of Cancer Research is classifying breast cancer tumours to see which
genes are switched "on" or "off" by chemotherapy.
Scientists will
look for genetic "markers" that show when a patient will
respond positively to anti-cancer drugs.
The work is
taking place at the Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research
Centre housed at the Institute in London, which opened two years
ago.
Professor Alan
Ashworth, director of the Centre, says breast cancer is increasingly
being thought of as "not just one disease, but perhaps hundreds
of different types of diseases".
He commented:
"With our colleagues at the Royal Marsden Hospital we are using
modern genetic techniques to classify and subdivide breast cancers.
"This process,
the genetic equivalent of 'stamp collecting', will allow us to develop
individualised treatments to treat the 38,000 cases of breast cancer
diagnosed in the UK each year.
"This will
save time for patients, avoid giving unnecessary treatment, and
eliminate needless pain and suffering."
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