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BC Cancer Agency discovery could help patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – There’s new hope for cancer patients suffering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  Researchers at the BC Cancer Agency say they’ve discovered a gene mutation that could lead to new treatments.  One doctor calls it a ‘groundbreaking discovery’.

The gene mutation keeps popping up in the EZH2 gene, and scientists think it could be a marker for the disease.  Paul McDonald is not only a cancer researcher, but has been in remission for six years.  He explains why the breakthrough means so much.  “The study published by these fantastic scientists is the first step in better understanding how lymphoma works and how to target treatment better.  It’s discoveries like the one being announced today that will lead to better diagnosis and a better treatment over time.”

Dr. Randy Gascoyne with the Centre for Lymphoid Cancers calls the finding a groundbreaking discovery.  “I think we can immediately now begin to develop tests that can be done much more simply to identify patients who have this sub-type.  That has an obvious appeal to both the patients and the medical community as it will have great interest.”

Lymphoma is the fifth most common form of cancer.  Approximately 1,000 B.C. residents are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year, with 340 dying from the disease. 

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