QF Focus Magazine
Page 13
The analysis of genes provides the key in the fight against cancer · The microarray technique provides an alternative treatment option for resistant tumours. · In almost half of the cases it prolongs life for more than a year.
Torrevieja, 04 May 2016. The study of genes has given us hope regarding tumours resistant to chemotherapy treatment. This is thanks to a technique called microarrays, a genetic analysis of the tumours, that enables us to clearly and directly identify a set of 5 to 8 drugs that fight each specific case, as well as a list of medicines to which the tumour is resistant. The Oncology Platform at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, led by Dr. Antonio Brugarolas, has successfully applied this technique. Currently, following the analysis of these cases, the findings show it may increase life expectancy, an approach that brings us close to the future. The microarray technique has opened a window for cancer patients with metastasis and those who are terminally ill due to the absence of new treatment alternatives. This personalised technique is called "a la carte", and one of the most important features is the improvement in the quality of life of patients. As Dr. Brugarolas explained this is "a breakthrough tested in 80 patients between the ages of 41 and 70 years suffering from breast, lung, pancreatic, bowel, ovarian, gastric, liver cancer and sarcomas, among other tumours". The technique is an efficient tool that helps to prepare the most effective treatment for each patient. In other words, explained Dr. Brugarolas, "a genetic test serves to know the behaviour of the cancer genes and the growth and survival modes and mechanisms of the tumour". The chemotherapy selected for these patients was simpler and less toxic than those considered to be conventional, with an improvement of the quality of life of the patient. According to Dr. Brugarolas, the genetic test helps to select the chemotherapy and may be applied during the early stages of the disease.
The genetic analysis of resistant tumours offers an
alternative treatment option Based on the experience, led by Dr. Antonio Brugarolas, this technique opens up the range of chemotherapy treatments to sick people who are terminally ill, providing more effective and quality alternatives.
Patients who have been part of the study, have enabled us to identify in each case between 5 to 8 effective drugs, in addition to the list of all medicines to which the tumour is resistant. As a result of the genetic test of the tumour, the medicines administered have achieved a clinical benefit in about 75 to 85 percent of patients. Therefore the tumour responds in a way that can be measured. Results have shown that a stabilisation of the tumour has been observed in about 50 percent, which means there is a stop in its advancement. Thus, in almost half of the cases it prolongs life for more than a year. This is due to the fact that, by providing a selected chemotherapy the survival rate can be increased from six months to one year, while in these cases it can only reach up to three months with normal chemotherapy. Quirónsalud is the largest hospital group in Spain and the third largest in Europe. The group has the most advanced technology and offers over 6,200 beds in more than 80 centres. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing more than 1,600 research projects all over Spain and many of its centres play a leading role in this area, and are pioneers in different specialities such as cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, neurology and oncology, among others.
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