NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[Gus1212]

Cancer patients to be offered test that tailors treatments to their genetics to avoid toxic side-effects

Cancer patients in England will be offered a new test that aims to tailor treatments to their genetics and avoid toxic side-effects.

People with some cancers will receive a blood test that detects whether they are genetically prone to experiencing the more serious effects of chemotherapy drugs.

Approximately 38,000 people start chemotherapy treatment with a group of drugs called fluoropyrimidines each year, and up to 40 percent may have severe reactions to their treatment, with 1 percent of toxicities proving fatal.

The test will tell patients if they are likely to have side-effects - which could include vomiting, diarrhea, breathlessness and severe skin reactions - allowing them to opt for a different method of tackling tumors.

It was previously only available at a small number of hospitals but is now being rolled out across the country by NHS England and NHS Improvement.