Sweden:Breast Cancer Research

Cancer researchers in Lund University in Sweden have discovered a new gene profile that will make it possible to tailor-make the treatment for breast cancer,thus saving many lives. This gene profile shows whether the breast tumor is susceptible to radiation therapy or not,allowing doctors to choose an alternative and better treatment. Medical Doctor Emma Niméus,who has been leading the project,tells how this gene profile will help. [Dr. Emma Niméus,Medical Doctor]:“If we can find these patients not responding to radiotherapy,we could instead choose from the beginning…If we knew who where the non-responders,we could instead choose to do a mastectomy from the beginning.”The study has included 100 people with breast cancer,which is only a small study,and they still have work to do. [Emma Niméus,Medical Doctor]:“What we do now is to validate this study,and if we can validate this profile in one more patient group,then we could more apply into the clinical reality.”Researchers hope this gene profile will help with decisions on treatment for women with breast cancer. Studies must however be completed before it can be used with the general population. Johan Nilsson,NTD,Lund,Sweden.