May 5, 2016.
The enormous progress of recent years in gene therapy gives hope for the possibility of soon being able to offer personalized treatments to patients.
Mutant genes responsible for breast cancer identified
Two British researchers from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have succeeded in identifying genes which, by mutating, promote the development of breast cancer. These researchers also discovered that women with breast cancer, carriers of these genes, also carried many other specific genetic mutations, which could improve both prevention and treatment.
In all, nearly 93 genes have been identified as being able to stimulate or even dope tumor cells in those who carry them.
Knowledge of these mutant genes will allow personalized treatments
Better yet: genetic mutations, which cause tumors, are very specific to each patient, the study reveals. Consequence: by knowing precisely the mutations of which each patient is a carrier, it should soon be possible to establish treatment protocols, combining chemotherapy and radiation in particular, also specific to each!
This genetic approach, both in terms of treatment, but also prevention, has recently been publicized by a personality of weight, namely Angelina Jolie. The American actress had the courage to have her breasts removed as a preventive measure, knowing that she carried a genetic mutation known to significantly increase the risk of breast cancer., from whom several members of his family had already been affected.
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