An understanding of the molecular basis of differences in the incidence and survival of cancer between men and women may allow the discovery of specific and more effective treatments. The study, published in Science Advances, compares the brain tumours of male and female flies at the molecular level and identifies proteins responsible for the different degree of aggressiveness.

Using machine learning, researchers have built a tool that detects genetic mutations that trigger the immune system, helping identify which cancer patients are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The algorithm also reveals which people living with hereditary diseases may benefit from drugs that already exist. The new technology’s potential is described today in Nature Genetics by researchers at IRB Barcelona, the Centre for Genomic Regulation and Radboud University.

Scientists at IRB Barcelona determine the genetic alterations in the cells of cancer patients caused by the main cancer therapies. This is an important step towards understanding the long-term side effects and optimizing treatments against cancer. The results have been published in the journal Nature Genetics.