Innovative Genetic Test Predicts Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Cancer Patients

Innovative Genetic Test Predicts Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Cancer Patients
"Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a genomic test that predicts chemotherapy effectiveness before treatment begins./ DW-AR 


Chemotherapy has long been a cornerstone in the fight against cancer. But for 20–50% of patients, standard chemotherapy treatments fail to produce the desired effects, leading to unnecessary side effects and uncertainty. In a groundbreaking advance, researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a genomic test that can predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy before treatment even begins.

A Major Step Toward Personalized Cancer Treatment

Each year, nearly 500,000 people in Germany alone are diagnosed with cancer. While chemotherapy remains life-saving for many, the variance in patient response calls for a more personalized approach.

Published in Nature Genetics (DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02233-y), and highlighted by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, the study introduces a genome-based diagnostic test that evaluates chromosomal instability (CIN)—a key hallmark of cancer cells. CIN refers to structural and numerical changes in chromosomes, often indicating how aggressive or treatment-resistant a tumor may be.

How the Test Works

Led by Dr. Geoff Macintyre, the team analyzed full-genome DNA from tumor samples. Their method matches patterns of DNA mutations with the biological mechanisms behind chemotherapy damage.

“Our technology links DNA mutation patterns to the mechanisms that cause them. This enables us to determine whether a particular drug will be effective in treating the tumor,” said Dr. Macintyre.

The test was validated using tumor tissue from 840 cancer patients, including those with breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. It successfully predicted patient response to three common chemotherapy agents:

  • Taxanes
  • Platinum-based therapies
  • Anthracyclines

Clinical Integration and Future Trials

According to co-author Dr. Ania Piskorz of the University of Cambridge, this test can be easily integrated into standard clinical workflows, as it uses DNA sequencing already gathered during cancer diagnosis. The simplicity and accuracy of this test could soon empower oncologists to avoid ineffective treatments, reducing patient suffering and healthcare costs.

Although not yet approved for clinical use, larger clinical trials are expected to begin in 2026.

Cancer Prevention Through Diet: Foods That Inhibit Tumor Growth

In addition to diagnostic advances, lifestyle factors—particularly diet—play a critical role in cancer prevention. Studies suggest these foods may reduce tumor risk:

  • Tomatoes: Lycopene and antioxidants may lower prostate cancer risk by ~30%.
  • Fiber-rich foods: Oats and whole grains reduce breast and esophageal cancer risk.
  • Berries: High in antioxidants, they inhibit tumor growth.
  • Green vegetables: Especially broccoli, known to neutralize carcinogens in red meat.
  • Citrus fruits: Help detoxify and suppress tumor proliferation.
  • Poultry over red meat: Reduces intake of potentially harmful proteins.
  • Walnuts: Contain gamma‑tocopherol, disrupting cancer cell signaling.
  • Fatty fish (salmon, herring): Rich in Omega‑3 and Vitamin D, lowering prostate and breast cancer risk.
  • Low salt intake: High sodium linked to stomach and digestive cancers.

This innovative test from Cambridge marks a major leap toward precision oncology—ensuring the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. As cancer remains one of the world’s leading causes of death, advances like these offer new hope to millions awaiting effective and personalized therapies.

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