Genetic Type Important in Treating Cancer

Knowing a person’s type of gene mutations is highly instrumental in treating cancer, said executive secretary of the 15th National Congress of Medical Oncology and Hematology. “Cancer treatment for each patient may vary according to how their genetic type responds to it, and therefore genetic testing is necessary before starting treatment,” said Dr. Marjan Yaghmaei, IRNA reported. Gene mutations have varying effects on health, depending on where they occur and whether they alter the function of essential proteins. The DNA sequence of a gene can be altered in a number of ways. By having a map of a person’s DNA, the prescribed treatment can target certain cells and leave the remaining unharmed. Specialists in various fields gathered to review the latest achievements and present new methods of diagnosis and treatment at the congress held October 26-28 at Tehran’s Espinas Hotel.