RECLASSIFYING CANCERS TO IMPROVE TREATMENT
Researchers have now decided that cancers would no longer be categorized by where they were first formed but by the similarities in tumor types.
A study led by US scientists have found 33 types of cancers from more than 10,000 patients. The researchers have determined that these cancers can be reclassified into 28 clusters that share similar molecules. These reclassification would lead to better targeted treatment, the scientists opined.
Traditionally, cancers were classed and treated according to the part of the body from which they originated. The team for example found that common cancers such as lung and breast cancers can be broken down into more than one cancers. They also discovered that medication for one type of cancer such as bladder could be used to treat lung lung cancer.
Patients are expected to have the best shot at successful treatment if the tumors can be classified according to their genomic and molecular makeup.
Source: BBC Health April 6, 2018
A study led by US scientists have found 33 types of cancers from more than 10,000 patients. The researchers have determined that these cancers can be reclassified into 28 clusters that share similar molecules. These reclassification would lead to better targeted treatment, the scientists opined.
Traditionally, cancers were classed and treated according to the part of the body from which they originated. The team for example found that common cancers such as lung and breast cancers can be broken down into more than one cancers. They also discovered that medication for one type of cancer such as bladder could be used to treat lung lung cancer.
Patients are expected to have the best shot at successful treatment if the tumors can be classified according to their genomic and molecular makeup.
Source: BBC Health April 6, 2018