Newcastle University - Testing times

Scientists in the North of England have developed a new test for ovarian cancer. Researchers from Newcastle University worked with medical giant Pfizer on the test, which helps to identify patients who will benefit from new drugs called Parp (poly ADP ribose polymerase) inhibitors. The test scans cancer cells and identifies which tumour samples contain defective DNA that can be targeted by the inhibitor. It is almost 100 per cent effective and 60 per cent of all ovarian-cancer patients may benefit, scientists have said.