Dr Charles Swanton, head of translational research at Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute, said: "These results are interesting because they provide some insight into new ways of specifically targeting cancer cells before they develop chromosomal instability - a state where the tumour develops a range of characteristics that can lead to drug resistance. We are now trying to exploit this, either with existing drugs, or by developing new ones, to find a combination of drugs that promote this particular type of cell killing."

Dr Julie Sharp, senior science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "Understanding why treatments can stop working is vital to ensure more cancer patients survive. This research reveals how resistance to treatment in some breast cancers can arise and highlights how we might identify those women who will benefit from chemotherapy, saving many from unnecessary treatment. The researchers are now looking to confirm their findings in a larger group of women, and if we see similar results, a test for CERT levels could become routine in the clinic." 

Source: Cancer Research UK