Breast cancer scientists in breakthrough

Published on Wednesday 29 July 2009 10:00

SCIENTISTS in Edinburgh have made a discovery of global importance in the treatment of breast cancer.

Following studies involving the Herceptin drug, a computer model has been developed which predicts a patient's reaction to the drug.

While most patients who require the drug – which is used in about a fifth of cases in Scotland – benefit from the treatment, there are a notable number who, for various reasons, do not.

With the creation of the new model, those patients can be identified before the drug is issued.

The discovery was made by Breakthrough Breast Cancer at the Edinburgh University research unit in the Western General Hospital. It signifies major progress for the unit, which has only been open for a year.

Its lead scientist, Dr Dana Faratian, a pathologist, said: "The impact of this new approach could be huge. It shows we can use computer modelling to answer clinical questions and potentially refine the treatment of breast cancer."