A groundbreaking study in the UK is matching patients' tumors to specific anti-cancer therapies, showing promise for extending life and even achieving remission in some cases.
For the 6,000 people in the UK diagnosed with bile duct cancer each year, the prognosis is bleak. Bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare cancer originating in the bile ducts connecting the liver and gallbladder. While it has symptoms, they are subtle at first and awareness is low. Yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice, can manifest, accompanied by itchy skin, pale stools, and dark urine, usually in later stages.
If you experience symptoms of bile duct cancer that persist, consult your GP for a liver-function test.Doctors in the UK are striving to revolutionize the lives of individuals battling this deadly disease. A groundbreaking study, showing promising early results, matches a patient's tumor to one or more of seven key medications to effectively combat the cancer. Some patients on these drugs have witnessed their cancer enter remission, while others have seen previously inoperable tumors become suitable for surgery. Doctors predict that this study will establish new standards for treating the disease, which currently claims the majority of patients within a year.The UK arm of this international effort is coordinated by University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and University College London (UCL), where approximately 40 individuals have received treatment thus far. The SAFIR-ABC10 trial is open to patients diagnosed with the three main types of bile duct cancer (intrahepatic, perihilar, or distal cholangiocarcinoma) or gallbladder cancer. Participants will undergo genetic tumor profiling and be offered one or more of seven anti-cancer therapies tailored to their specific tumor. Professor John Bridgewater, a consultant medical oncologist at UCLH and clinical researcher at the UCL Cancer Institute, emphasizes the urgency for innovative treatment options, stating that the current standard of care offers patients only one year of life after treatment initiation. He highlights the potential for this study to significantly improve outcomes for some patients, offering several years, or even more, of good quality life, even if their cancer remains incurable. Professor Bridgewater expresses optimism that the study will demonstrate to both medical professionals and patients the substantial progress being made in treating this type of cancer. While the drugs may extend lives, preliminary work suggests they can also provide long-term remission for five years or more, which, according to Cancer Research UK guidelines, constitutes a cure. He adds that the study's focus on genetic profiling before treatment is crucial, as current NHS tumor genetic profiling is inadequate.Dr. Tayyaba Jiwani, science engagement manager at Cancer Research UK, which is supporting the study, underscores the often-poor outlook for individuals with biliary tract cancers due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options beyond chemotherapy. She emphasizes the pressing need for new treatment avenues and expresses pride in supporting one of the first precision medicine trials for these cancers
Bile Duct Cancer Cholangiocarcinoma Precision Medicine Cancer Treatment Clinical Trials NHS Genetic Profiling
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Huntsman Cancer Institute Joins Precision Medicine Program for Leukemia PatientsThe Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is participating in a new clinical trial program called myeloMATCH that uses a patient's genetic makeup to determine the best treatment for their leukemia. This personalized approach aims to improve patient outcomes and revolutionize cancer care.
Read more »
Baby Carrie Murder: Cold Case Clue Offers Hope After 22 YearsA possible breakthrough in the 22-year-old cold case of Baby Carrie's murder offers a glimmer of hope for justice. The horrific discovery of the baby's body by four children in 1999 sent shockwaves through the community. Despite extensive investigations, the killer remains unidentified. Now, a vital clue focusing on identifying the mother could lead to a breakthrough.
Read more »
Gene-Edited Pig Kidney Transplant Offers Hope to Woman Facing Organ ShortageA groundbreaking gene-edited pig kidney transplant has provided a life-changing opportunity for a woman in Alabama battling kidney failure. The procedure, conducted at NYU Langone Health, offers a potential solution to the critical organ shortage.
Read more »
Rashford's Potential Departure: McTominay's Example Offers HopeManchester United forward Marcus Rashford has expressed his desire for a new challenge in 2025. This follows a recent trend of homegrown players leaving the club, such as Scott McTominay, who has thrived at Napoli.
Read more »
New eye drop treatment offers hope for dry AMD patientsAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 65, characterized by abnormal changes in the macular, resulting in reduced vision and distorted objects.
Read more »
Starmer Offers Message of Hope and Unity for ChristmasSir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, delivered a Christmas message emphasizing the importance of community and hope, amidst a challenging year marked by economic uncertainty and social unrest.
Read more »