A new lung cancer test developed from a
similar test in breast cancer patients by scientists in the US can identify
those most likely to benefit from post surgery treatment.
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have between a 30 and 50 per
cent relapse rate following surgery to remove the tumour in the lungs.
By analysing the gene signature of people suffering with the illness, doctors
believe they can assess the prognosis and development of the disease just like
they are able to do in breast cancer incidences.
"To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to show a high
consistency of the gene signature on both breast cancer and NSCLC," said
Dung Tsa Chen, author of the research.
He added that the malignancy-risk gene signature may then be used to identify
those people who could be given adjuvant chemotherapy to improve their survival
chances.
According to Macmillan, around four out of five lung cancer cases are NSCLC,
with surgery the preferred treatment option.
© Adfero Ltd
Cancer treatment news : 13 January 2012
