Latest news with #tumorDNA
Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Breakthrough cancer test ‘predicts whether chemotherapy will work'
A breakthrough test can successfully predict whether chemotherapy will work so patients can avoid needless side effects. The test, developed by Cambridge University, looks at the structure of tumour DNA and forecasts whether it will resist treatment. It was piloted using data from 840 patients with different types of cancer and found that it could help spot whether treatment was likely to fail for ovarian, prostate and breast cancers. James Brenton, professor of ovarian cancer medicine at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, said: 'Sadly, there are too many cases where cancer is resistant to chemotherapy treatment – meaning unpleasant side effects for the patient with limited benefit to them. 'Chemotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment and saves many lives. Yet in many cases, it has been administered the same way for over 40 years. 'By understanding who is most likely to respond to it, chemotherapy could become a more tailored treatment across different types of cancer.' The test can accurately predict resistance to treatment of three common types of chemotherapy – platinum-based, anthracycline and taxane chemotherapy – which are given to nearly 100,000 patients in Britain each year. Although such treatments can help keep cancer at bay, they are also toxic to healthy cells and can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as fatigue, a weakened immune system, nausea and hair loss. Experts hope that tests will be used after diagnosis to classify patients as either 'chemotherapy resistant' or 'chemotherapy sensitive' to treatments, to avoid giving patients therapies that will not work. Dr Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, which helped fund the research, said: 'The days of chemotherapy being offered as a 'one-size-fits-all' treatment are ending. 'Thanks to this research, we are moving towards a future where personalised cancer treatment is an option for many patients. 'Only by delivering more optimised, successful treatment will more people live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.' Researchers are now working with the pharmaceutical industry to develop the test and will be applying to regulators for its use in the clinic. The scientists are also developing further tests for other targeted cancer drugs to find out how widely the technology could be used across different cancer types. Dr Ania Piskorz, co-lead author and head of genomics at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, said: 'It was important to us to create a test that could be easily adopted in the clinic, using material we already collect during diagnosis and well-established genomic sequencing methods. 'The test is based on the full DNA sequence that we get from these methods, and we can adapt it to work alongside other genomic sequencing methods that are commonly used to personalise treatment for cancer.'
Sustainability Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'Brain Tumors Diagnosed in 2 Hours': Groundbreaking Test Speeds Up Detection With Unprecedented Accuracy and Life-Saving Potential
IN A NUTSHELL 🧬 Scientists at the University of Nottingham developed a new method using nanopore sequencing to rapidly read tumor DNA. to rapidly read tumor DNA. ⏱️ The innovative approach reduces diagnosis time from weeks to as little as two hours , enabling quicker treatment decisions. , enabling quicker treatment decisions. 💊 Rapid identification of tumor types opens doors to new treatment options and faster access to clinical trials. and faster access to clinical trials. 💡 The method's cost-effectiveness and efficiency could significantly impact healthcare systems, improving patient care and outcomes. In the rapidly advancing field of medical technology, a groundbreaking development is poised to transform the way brain tumors are diagnosed and treated. Scientists at the University of Nottingham have devised a method that significantly reduces the time needed to identify tumor types from weeks to mere hours. This innovative approach could potentially save lives by allowing doctors to tailor treatments more swiftly and accurately. The implications of this advancement extend beyond mere speed, impacting the entire process of cancer treatment and patient care. Revolutionizing Tumor DNA Reading The essence of this innovation lies in nanopore sequencing, a cutting-edge technology that facilitates rapid DNA reading. The process involves passing DNA strands through a device equipped with microscopic holes, or pores. As each strand traverses these pores, the DNA's building blocks are sequenced. The resulting data is then compared against a comprehensive library of known brain tumor types using specialized software. This allows doctors to quickly identify the type of tumor a patient has, often in under two hours. Cost considerations are also taken into account, with each test priced at approximately $500, aligning with existing genetic testing costs. By potentially replacing four to five separate tests with a single comprehensive one, the method not only speeds up the diagnostic process but also reduces overall costs. Initial trials on 30 archived tumor samples, followed by 50 fresh samples, showed a high accuracy rate, with 90% of new samples correctly identified. Significantly, 76% of fresh samples were identified confidently within an hour, underscoring the method's speed and efficiency. 'Mach 6 From a Runway': US Unveils Hypersonic Jet Engine That Could Redefine Military Airpower and Global Strike Speed Unlocking New Treatment Pathways Beyond diagnostics, the rapid identification of tumor types can influence surgical decisions during operations. Surgeons can determine whether a more aggressive approach is warranted or if alternative treatments might be more beneficial. As Professor Matthew Loose, a co-author of the study, pointed out, knowing the exact tumor type during surgery could allow for the immediate application of targeted drugs, opening doors to innovative treatment options. This accelerated diagnostic process also holds promise for clinical trials. By quickly identifying suitable candidates, patients can gain faster access to cutting-edge therapies. The potential to integrate this method into routine clinical practice could revolutionize patient care, providing tailored treatment options much sooner and improving patient outcomes. 'Solid-State Shockwave Hits Battery World': New Tech Supercharges Lithium-Ion Speed by 30% in Unbelievable Energy Leap Implications for Healthcare Systems The introduction of this rapid testing method could have a profound impact on healthcare systems. By reducing the waiting time for genetic test results, the method not only alleviates patient anxiety but also streamlines clinical workflows. The possibility of diagnosing tumor types before a patient even leaves the operating room could optimize treatment plans from the outset. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of this approach could free up resources for other critical areas within healthcare systems. As the method gains traction, it could potentially become a standard practice, benefiting not just individual patients but entire patient populations. The dissemination of this technology could also encourage further research and development in the field of rapid diagnostics. China Unleashes Next-Gen EREVs With Jaw-Dropping 870-Mile Range and Hesai LiDAR That Could Redefine Autonomous Driving Forever Future Prospects and Ongoing Research While the initial results are promising, ongoing research is essential to refine the technology and expand its applications. Researchers are exploring the potential to apply similar rapid diagnostic methods to other types of cancer, which could further enhance personalized medicine. The ongoing collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and healthcare providers will be crucial in integrating this technology into everyday medical practice. The study, published in the journal Neuro-Oncology, marks a significant milestone in cancer research. As healthcare continues to evolve, innovations like these pave the way for more efficient and effective patient care. The journey from laboratory research to clinical application is complex, but the potential benefits make it a pursuit worth undertaking. This advancement in rapid tumor diagnosis is a testament to the power of technological innovation in healthcare. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, one can't help but wonder: What other groundbreaking developments lie on the horizon, waiting to redefine the future of medicine? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
