Researchers Classify Breast Cancers into Four Major Groups Based on DNA Characteristics

A new study published in the online edition of the journal Nature reveals that researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have managed to classify breast cancer into four major groups which could lead to the development of more targeted treatments.

More than 825 patients of breast cancer took part in the study with the researchers analyzing the DNAs of the tumors and found that they fell into four distinct classes.

The researchers said that their finding could allow for more specialized and effective treatments which may include drugs currently available in the market.

"With this study, we're one giant step closer to understanding the genetic origins of the four major subtypes of breast cancer. Now we can investigate which drugs work best for patients based on the genetic profiles of their tumors", lead researcher Dr Matthew Ellis said.

Source: Medindia