England England: For the first time, researchers have identified at least three unique subtypes of a rare type of bone cancer, which could potentially change clinical trials and patient care. A study led by the University of East Anglia The research project, using advanced mathematical modeling and machine learning called “Latent Process Decomposition”, has enabled osteosarcoma patients to be classified into different subgroups using their genetic data. Previously, all patients were grouped together and treated using the same protocol, with very mixed results.

While genetic sequencing has previously helped uncover various subtypes of other cancers, such as breast or skin cancer, for which those patients receive targeted treatment personalized to their cancer subtype, it has been much more difficult to do so with osteosarcoma. A cancer that starts in the bone and usually affects children and teenagers. Lead author Dr Darrell Green, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: “Treatment of osteosarcoma since the 1970s Treatment has been done using non-targeted chemotherapy and surgery, sometimes resulting in limb amputation as well as serious and lifelong side effects of chemotherapy.

“Many international clinical trials investigating new drugs in osteosarcoma over the past 50 years have been deemed 'failed'.” This new research found that in each of these 'failed' trials, the new drug There was a small response rate (about five to 10 percent), suggesting the existence of osteosarcoma subtypes that responded to the new treatments.” The new drugs were not complete 'failures' as the findings suggest. Rather, the drugs were not successful for every patient with osteosarcoma, but could become a new treatment for select patient groups.

“We hope that in the future, grouping patients using this new algorithm will mean successful results in clinical trials for the first time in more than half a century.” When patients receive targeted drugs specific to their cancer subtype “This will help to move away from standard chemotherapy.” The discovery of more targeted treatments for osteosarcoma is an important area of ​​focus for Children with Cancer UK. In 2021, the key childhood The UEA team was provided funding by the cancer charity to investigate innovative ways of treating osteosarcoma.

Dr Sultana Choudhury, Head of Research at Children with Cancer UK, said: “Investing in leading research programs is integral to driving forward our vision of a world where every child and young person can survive cancer.” We invest in science because we have seen how research can make a significant difference to every child's chances of survival.

“By funding unprecedented research, we are not only advancing scientific knowledge, but also discovering gentler, more effective treatments for our youngest and most vulnerable cancer patients.” Our hope is that this research project The results will improve diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of young cancer patients.”

The survival rate for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, has remained steady at about 50 percent for the past 45 years. This is mainly because the different subtypes of osteosarcoma are not yet fully understood, as well as how the immune system around the tumor affects it, or why the cancer resists treatment. Does it or why does it spread to other parts of the body?