A recent study conducted at the Jamilur Rahman Centre for Genomic Research, University of Karachi, has found that many imported chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer in Pakistan are often ineffective. The research indicates that the genetic makeup of the Pakistani population differs significantly from that of Western countries, where these drugs are developed and tested.
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, Associate Professor at the University of Karachi and leader of the research team on cancer genomics, highlighted that while various breast cancer therapies exist, the drugs used in Pakistan are manufactured and clinically tested in Western countries without considering genetic differences between populations. This oversight may contribute to reduced drug efficacy in Pakistani patients.
The study emphasizes the need for developing cancer treatments tailored to Pakistan’s genetic profile. Researcher Samra Khan noted that Pakistan ranks seventh in breast cancer cases in South Asia and fifth in mortality rates, with most cases reported in women aged 30 to 45. She also pointed out that the types of breast cancer, specifically BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, differ markedly between Pakistani and European populations.
These findings underscore the importance of conducting large-scale studies to identify effective treatments for Pakistani breast cancer patients, considering the unique genetic landscape of the population.
