The test has been piloted with data from hundreds of patients across various cancers, specifically focusing on prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a groundbreaking test that predicts cancer patients' responses to chemotherapy by analyzing tumor DNA, potentially sparing them from unnecessary treatments.

This innovative test identifies specific DNA signatures and patterns in a patient's cancer, enabling doctors to select the most effective chemotherapy tailored to the individual's needs.

In a pilot study involving 840 patients, the test successfully categorized individuals as either 'chemotherapy resistant' or 'chemotherapy sensitive', paving the way for personalized treatment plans.

Professor James Brenton from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute emphasized the critical issue of chemotherapy resistance, highlighting the unpleasant side effects that often accompany treatments with limited benefits.

Chemotherapy has seen little change over the past 40 years, and experts are advocating for more personalized approaches to improve effectiveness and reduce adverse effects for patients.

Dr. Iain Foulkes from Cancer Research UK noted that the era of a 'one-size-fits-all' chemotherapy approach is ending, as personalized treatment strategies are becoming increasingly viable.

The test links DNA mutation patterns to the mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance, providing insights that could enhance treatment outcomes for patients.

Designed to be user-friendly, the test integrates seamlessly with existing genomic sequencing methods, making it practical for clinical use and facilitating personalized treatment.

The test focuses on three common chemotherapy types: platinum-based, anthracycline, and taxane, which are known for their toxicity and severe side effects.

Results from the study indicate that patients predicted to resist specific chemotherapy types, such as anthracycline and platinum, experienced higher treatment failure rates in cancers like ovarian and metastatic breast cancer.

The ongoing research underscores the importance of tailored treatment strategies, which could lead to longer and healthier lives for cancer patients.