Research to identify the best treatment for patients with hereditary forms of cancer is being described as a “game changer”.
Genetic testing has been carried out on over 80 patients and additional funding has been granted to fast-track genetic testing for around 30 cancer patients a month at Cork University Hospital to design a highly personalised treatment plan.
The result of genetic testing also has the potential to identify hereditary gene mutations that can be passed on to children and grandchildren.
Waiting times for genetic cancer testing have also been reduced from two years to just four weeks as part of the research.
The trial will continue until the end of the year, however researchers are hopeful that continued funding will allow them to expand and develop their work into the future.
The National Cancer Control Programme, CUH and CUH Charity were all involved involved in funding, while Genetic Counsellor Marie Duff has been pivotal in getting the research off the ground.
Speaking to RedFM News, Surgical Oncologist Prof Mark Corrigan outlines how the result of a genetic test lead to more specific treatment:
Photo: Prof Mark Corrigan and with patient Fiona O’Keeffe. Photo by Brian Lougheed.
