Researchers in Cambridge are personalising breast cancer care

A new personalised breast cancer programme which will map DNA to tailor treatments for individual patients has been launched at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

The project, which was launched with £1.1million funding from Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), will analyse genomes and genes of tumour cells from 250 breast cancer patients to improve diagnosis and tailor treatment.

Honorary consultant medical oncologist at Addenbrooke’s and chief investigator for the project, Professor Carlos Caldas, said: “We already know that there are around 10 different types of breast cancer, and these respond differently to the available treatments. We’re looking at ways to predict this response, ensuring individual patients get the best treatment for them.”

Finding out what genes have become faulty in breast cancer cells will help researchers understand more about how cancer develops and spreads. It will also help GPs choose the best treatment for their patient.

Funding for the project was raised by ACT’s recent Bracode Campaign.

Patient Joy Martin added: “Every day, I’m reminded when I take my medicine and when I see my scars.

“I supported this campaign so women in the future can be more confident that they’re receiving the best possible treatment for their particular cancer, so they can reconstruct their bodies and their lives as quickly as possible.”

Find out more about ACT online.