Genetic Analysis Enhances Cancer Therapy Efficacy
In the ongoing battle against cancer, scientists are making significant strides in the development of targeted therapies. Dr. Funchain, a renowned oncologist, explains that these new drugs can effectively treat genetic mutations found in patients with ovarian and breast tumors, as well as lung cancer.
Jan DΓΆrr and his team at Berlin Buch are at the forefront of this research, focusing on aggressive tumor cells with many MYCN gene copies and approaches for tumors with extrachromosomal oncogenes. Their work holds great promise for the future of cancer treatment.
Dr. Funchain emphasises the dual nature of cancer, being both a random and what he terms a "bad luck" disease. Factors such as smoking and insufficient protection from harmful sun rays can increase one's chances of developing cancer.
In the realm of diagnosis, Dr. Funchain notes that technicians can use material from the original biopsy for genetic testing, as long as enough tissue is available. This testing is crucial, as it helps doctors predict who is more likely to respond well to certain drugs.
The past year has seen several new drugs approved for recently discovered mutations in lung cancer, with more approvals expected in the future. Patients with non-smoker lung cancer often respond favorably to oral medication approved by the FDA in 2004 for a specific mutation.
About 25% of breast cancers test positive for the HER2 mutation, for which several new drugs are extremely effective in treating. The prognosis for HER2-positive patients has significantly improved since doctors started prescribing these drugs, according to Dr. Funchain.
Looking ahead, genetic testing is being considered for other cancers as more drugs are discovered. Dr. Funchain predicts that it will become routine for all cancers in the next 10 years. In the case of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), genetic testing is now done using a pill that targets cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
These advancements in cancer treatment through genetic testing offer hope for countless patients and their families. As research continues, we can expect to see even more effective treatments and improved outcomes for those battling this devastating disease.
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