Cancer genetics

摘要

The US National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, has launched one of the first trials to assess whether cancer treatments that are tailored to individual genetic profiles are more beneficial for patients than non-targeted treatments. The Molecular Profiling based Assignment of Cancer Therapeutics (M-PACT) study, announced on 30 January, will screen tumours from 180 patients for mutations in 20 genes that are known to affect treatment. Half of the patients will then receive therapy that is customized for their specific mutations, and half will receive non-customized therapy. The findings are expected to be reported in 2017.