|
| |
Now, a revolutionary
DNA test to spot cancers
Main
Article page | Health page|
Disease articles |
Links
Scientists have
developed a new genetic test for cancer, a major breakthrough which they claim
could allow doctors to identify the hidden primary tumours and pave the way for
more effective treatment for the disease.
A team at Imperial College London has come up with the revolutionary DNA test
which will not only help patients avoid unnecessary treatment and invasive
tests, but also ensure they get the right drug treatment earlier.
Cancer specialist Dr Harpreet Wasan, who is heading a study of the technique,
said: "This could have a major impact on the way we diagnose and treat thousands
of cancer patients and save lives."
In fact, the test, which can give results within days, is based on the fact that
different cancers have different DNA ‘fingerprints’; and patients' tissue
samples will be analysed to identify the specific types of cancer they have.
The results will then be used to identify the right treatment drugs without
invasive and time-consuming tests like colonoscopies and other forms of
endoscopies, leading British newspaper the
Sunday Express reported.
Earlier researches have shown that it can take up to three months to get a
cancer diagnosis by existing methods. and many scientists are currently working
with patients with cancer of ‘unknown origin’ that has spread.
-PTI / Times of India
| |
|
