23rd November 2011 November 23, 2011
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Charity launches major cancer genetics project
A new initiative to develop ‘personalised cancer treatment’ has today been launched. The experimental project has been designed to develop a screening program to test tumours for key genetic changes. It is hoped that in the future the results of such tests would influence treatment programmes, helping doctors choose the best drug for each person.
The new initiative, called the Stratified Medicine Programme, is being led by Cancer Research UK, the UK Technology Strategy Board and the pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and Pfizer. It is hoped that the work will lay the foundations for genetic testing of both patients and tumours to become standard practice, allowing the use of specialised drugs that target specific genes and mutations that can cause or influence the development of cancer.
In addition to laying the foundations for a genetic testing service, the information collected during the programme may be useful for research into new treatments; for example, by identifying new targets and by seeing how genetics affect people’s responses to various cancer drugs. Although people taking part in the early stages of this programme are unlikely to directly benefit, it is hoped that in the long-term, patients will be provided with individually tailored treatments that ultimately prove more effective.
Improving outcomes and experiences for older women with breast cancer
This briefing focuses on the key issues for older women affected by breast cancer and presents recommendations for service improvements in three main areas: early diagnosis; treatment and assessment; and information and support.
