VANCOUVER – The B.C. government is investing $3 million in advanced genome sequencing research to customize treatment for thousands of new patients suffering from advanced cancer.
Premier Christy Clark has announced the additional funding for the B.C. Cancer Foundation’s “highly experimental” program, which could help upward of 2,000 people over the next five years.
The technique decodes the genetic makeup of patients’ tumours, helping doctors identify the most effective potential drug treatments rather than putting the patient through generalized therapy.
Doctors believe they are unlocking the mysteries of cancer, but say the treatments are a first for cancer care and the long-term outcomes are unknown.
Patient and non-smoker Jennifer Strack says she was on Cloud 9 after being offered the treatment, which she credits with saving her life after she was diagnosed with stage-4 lung cancer.
The B.C. Cancer Agency launched clinical trials of the program in 2012, and more than 350 patients representing 50 cancer types have enrolled so far.
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