Scientists target genes in bid to tackle drug-resistant cancer

A breakthrough in treatment could benefits thousands of Irish patients with one of the most lethal forms of cancer.

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have discovered how the activity of two genes causes bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatments used against the disease.

An international clinical trial will now be led by Queen’s researcher Dr Sandra van Schaeybroeck, using new approaches to target these genes in its most aggressive forms. Also known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer, around 2,400 new cases are identified in this country each year, and over 1,000 deaths are recorded annually.