New Test Predicts Chemotherapy Resistance

Biomarkers based on chromosomal instability (CIN) signatures can predict resistance to chemotherapy with platinum-, taxane- and anthracycline-based treatments using a single genomic test, according to data published in Nature Genetics. The findings aim to personalize chemotherapy treatment instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Previous attempts to predict chemotherapy resistance mainly focused on platinum-based chemotherapies, but were not widely adopted in clinics. Researchers turned to CIN signatures because CIN presence in a tumor is known to affect chemotherapy sensitivity. Tumors with stable genomes are usually resistant to chemotherapy.

Geoff Macintyre, PhD, co-lead author, explained that the study, conducted by teams at CNIO and Tailor Bio in collaboration with Cancer Research UK-funded scientists, created three CIN signature-based biomarkers to predict resistance to platinum-based chemotherapies, taxanes, and anthracyclines.

The biomarkers were tested using real-world data from 840 cancer patients to simulate phase II and III biomarker clinical trials. The results showed that patients predicted as resistant had a higher risk of treatment failure compared to those classified as sensitive.

Macintyre stated that the next steps involve engaging with regulatory bodies to determine necessary prospective trials for approval. His research group has received funding to validate the test in Spain and the U.S. for use in prospective trials by 2026.

According to the source: Inside Precision Medicine.