Gene expressions can lead to better treatments

             A study was conducted in the Netherlands about breast cancer and specifically the function of GATA3 in response to tamoxifen. The patients studied showed different responses to the drug, and the researchers attributed these responses with mutations found within GATA3. While mutations themselves were not the reason for indicating the expected or desired response to tamoxifen, their expression of the gene indicated whether or not the patient would have a longer progression-free survival period. Compared to the wild-type or common type those with cells that expressed GATA3 in higher amounts typically higher survival rates than those who expressed lower amounts of it. For the first few months on the other hand those with GATA3 polymorphous genes had better chances of survival up to 10 months and then quickly became worse at surviving against the wild-type from 15 to 30 months and then equaling out at about 35 months. The presence of a mutation in DNA isn't always a precursor of cancer. But when cells begin to multiply out of control it causes problems within the body.

         

               Cancer is a serious illness in any part of the body. Situations like these are what families often worry about. Often when a cancer is detected it has been present in the body and growing for some time. Gene markers that respond such as GATA3 tend to help doctors and pharmaceutical companies alike because they can indicate if a treatment is working and give the patient more time for possible recovery. Ovarian cancer is another serious cancer that happens to be rising in awareness. In a related article ovarian cancer has similar markers that can be seen be 'turned on' in CCL5 markers. As research improves over time detecting cancers may be easier, and their treatments much more accurate and likely designed to fit the needs of the individual.