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A recent study conducted at the Jamilur Rahman Centre for Genomic Research at the University of Karachi has revealed that chemotherapy drugs imported from Western countries, which are commonly used to treat breast cancer in Pakistan, have been found to be ineffective in most cases. This groundbreaking research highlights a critical gap in cancer treatment, suggesting that the genetic differences between Pakistani and Western populations could play a significant role in the ineffectiveness of these drugs.
Genetic Differences Impact Drug Effectiveness
According to Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, Associate Professor at the Institute of Business Administration Cancer Center (IBCCS) at the University of Karachi and the leader of the research team, breast cancer therapies in Pakistan rely heavily on imported drugs that are manufactured and tested in Western countries. These drugs are largely developed based on clinical trials conducted in Europe and North America, regions whose populations have genetic profiles that differ substantially from those of Pakistan.
Dr. Ahmed explained that these differences are significant, particularly in the case of breast cancer, where treatment strategies and drug efficacy can vary greatly based on genetic makeup. “We tested a well-known chemotherapy drug on both Pakistani and European origin cell lines, and the results were extremely low on Pakistani breast cancer cell lines,” he said. The study’s findings highlight the need for further research to understand the genetic makeup of Pakistani populations and the development of treatments that cater specifically to their needs.
Pakistan’s Growing Cancer Burden
Pakistan has seen a steady increase in breast cancer cases, ranking seventh in the South Asia region for cases and fifth for mortality rates, according to researcher Samra Khan. Breast cancer in Pakistan is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 45. However, treatment protocols and data used to guide clinical decisions are largely based on European studies, which do not account for the significant genetic differences between populations.
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The study found that not only are the chemotherapy drugs proving ineffective in most cases, but many patients who respond initially to treatment experience recurrence of the disease earlier than expected. This has raised serious concerns about the current approach to breast cancer treatment in Pakistan, as doctors are often forced to rely on foreign drug regimens without considering the unique genetic landscape of the population.
Recommendations for Tailored Cancer Treatments
The research team strongly recommends conducting large-scale studies to better understand the genetic needs of the Pakistani population and validate which drugs may be most effective in treating cancers like breast cancer. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that such studies could lead to the development of cancer treatments specifically tailored to the genetic characteristics of Pakistani patients, offering a more targeted approach to cancer care.
Dr. M. Shakil, Warda Qureshi, and Humera Salim, who are part of the research team, also pointed out that many patients who respond to chemotherapy are seeing the disease return sooner than anticipated. This issue underscores the need for more localized research and the development of treatment regimens that take into account the genetic differences and treatment history of patients in Pakistan.
