"We know that there is considerable person-to-person variation
in the sensitivity of normal tissues, and tumour tissues, to
radiotherapy and that this sensitivity may have a genetic
basis", explained Dr. Hlscher. "It is evident also that surgery,
chemotherapy drugs and some rare genetic syndromes can influence
side effects of radiation, as may other factors such as age,
hypertension, other medication and other diseases. Prediction of
individual patient's sensitivity to radiotherapy would allow
treatment to be tailored to minimise side effects for those most
sensitive, whilst allowing more intense, and potentially more
effective, treatment for those predicted to have better
tolerance". The GENEPI (GENEtic pathways for the Prediction of
the effects of Irradiation) project aims to provide a
scientifically rigorous method of predicting both radiotherapy
efficacy and side effects based on a wide range of genetic,
physical and other patient-related factors. It will lead to the
establishment of the only pan-European