New Test Predicts Chemotherapy Resistance in Cancer

Cambridge Scientists Develop Test to Tailor Cancer Treatments

Researchers at the University of Cambridge, in partnership with the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) and Tailor Bio, have created a test that predicts whether a cancer will resist common chemotherapy drugs, paving the way for more personalized treatment plans.

Predicting Treatment Response

The test analyzes chromosomal instability signatures, which are alterations in the DNA’s structure within a tumor. This is achieved by sequencing the complete DNA of the tumor and identifying patterns of disruption compared to normal cells. The test can anticipate resistance to several types of chemotherapy, including platinum-based, anthracycline, and taxane treatments.

“Chemotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment and saves many lives. Yet in many cases, it has been administered the same way for over 40 years. Sadly, there are too many cases where cancer is resistant to chemotherapy – meaning unpleasant side effects for the patient with limited benefit to them.

—Professor James Brenton, Professor of Ovarian Cancer Medicine at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

This advancement is particularly significant given that, according to the National Cancer Institute, chemotherapy is used in approximately 60% of cancer treatment plans (National Cancer Institute).

How the Test Works

The test was evaluated using data from 840 patients with various cancer types, classifying them as either chemotherapy-resistant or sensitive. The team virtually reassigned patients to different chemotherapy regimens, analyzing the time it took for treatments to fail. This mimicked a randomized controlled trial without affecting patient care.

The study found that patients predicted to be resistant to taxane chemotherapy exhibited higher treatment failure rates in ovarian, metastatic breast, and metastatic prostate cancers. Resistance to anthracycline chemotherapy correlated with increased failure in ovarian and metastatic breast cancers. Predicted resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy was linked to poorer outcomes in ovarian cancer.

Patient Perspective

Fiona Barvé, a retired biology teacher who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017, highlighted the importance of personalized treatment. She emphasized the physical and mental toll of chemotherapy and the desire of patients to contribute to research for future patients.

“Using a personalised method to identify the correct chemotherapy regime for each individual patient can only be positive for all patients. It also helps to remove unnecessary stress and unnecessary drugs being used,”

—Fiona Barvé, Patient

The technology was licensed to Tailor Bio, a start-up that focuses on developing targeted treatments for cancers displaying CIN signatures. The next steps involve further validation studies and seeking regulatory approval for clinical use. The team is also developing additional tests for other targeted cancer therapies.