Scientists have discovered that the rate of mutation of a specific gene in lung cancer patients is higher here than in many other countries. As a result, treatments that target this gene may particularly benefit Irish lung cancer patients.

According to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), which funded the research, the rate of mutation of the gene known as PIK3CA, ‘appears to be quite high in the Irish population compared with international rates'.

The research focused on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for around 80% of all lung cancers. Despite major medical advances in recent years, the overall survival rate for lung cancer remains low.

The scientists focused on investigating a gene pathway, known as the P13K pathway. This is already known to have a big role in cell growth control. Higher activity of this pathway is linked with a more aggressive form of the disease and usually a poorer outcome for patients.

The research revealed that a targeted drug, known as DHMEQ, was effective at reducing the growth of lung cancer cells that were resistant to chemotherapy.

However, during the course of this research, the scientists also identified a high rate of PIK3CA gene mutation. This is a key gene in the P13K pathway.

While these mutations were initially assessed in 137 lung cancer patients, this has now been expanded to include 1,000 patient samples. This, the scientists said, will provide a better estimate of the rate of this gene's mutation in Irish people with lung cancer.

"Lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer as the biggest cause of cancer death in women in Ireland and has the highest mortality rate of all cancers. It is therefore vital that we investigate new strategies for fighting this disease, such as PI3K pathway-targeted drugs.

"To date, there have been no clinical trials in Ireland for PI3K pathway-targeted drugs in lung cancer, but we believe the data generated during this project supports this new treatment approach," said lead researcher, Dr Susan Heavey.

Commenting on the findings, ICS research manager, Dr Amanda Daly, described the results as exciting and said that they ‘will help us move another step towards better outcomes for lung cancer patients'.

"Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in Ireland, killing more than 1,800 people annually. This research will give us a better understanding of how patients may respond to combination treatment strategies and hopefully will make lung cancer controllable in the future," she added.

If anyone is concerned about lung cancer, or any other type of cancer, you can speak to a specialist nurse on the ICS's National Cancer Helpline - call 1800 200 700.