Cambridge: In collaboration with Spain’s CNIO and biotech firm Tailor Bio, scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a groundbreaking DNA test to predict whether cancer patients will respond to standard chemotherapy treatments.
Funded by Cancer Research UK, the test analyzes chromosomal instability (CIN) — changes in the order, structure, and number of chromosomes in tumour cells — to identify resistance to platinum-based, taxane, and anthracycline chemotherapy drugs.
Tested on data from 840 patients with various cancers, the tool accurately classified patients as either chemotherapy-sensitive or chemotherapy-resistant. Those predicted to be resistant were more likely to experience treatment failure, particularly in ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers. Researchers used complete DNA sequencing data typically collected during diagnosis, making the test easily adaptable for clinical use.
Professor James Brenton of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute emphasized the importance of tailoring treatment to avoid unnecessary side effects. Patient advocate Fiona Barvé, a cancer survivor, welcomed the test’s potential to personalize care and improve outcomes.
The team plans to seek regulatory approval and expand the test to other therapies and cancer types. This innovation aligns with the vision of the upcoming Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, aiming to transform cancer care through precision medicine.
