Genetic Differences Between Populations Impact Treatment Success

Breast cancer is a major health concern in Pakistan, with thousands of new cases emerging every year. However, recent scientific research has uncovered a disturbing truth—most imported chemotherapy drugs used in Pakistan for breast cancer treatment are largely ineffective.

A study conducted at the Jamilur Rahman Centre for Genomic Research, University of Karachi, has revealed that the reason behind this ineffectiveness lies in the genetic differences between Pakistani and Western populations. This discovery raises serious concerns about the suitability of existing treatment protocols and emphasizes the urgent need for locally developed cancer treatments tailored to Pakistani patients.

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Why Are Western Chemotherapy Drugs Ineffective in Pakistan?

Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, Associate Professor at IBCCS, University of Karachi, and the lead researcher on cancer genomics, explained that all breast cancer drugs available in Pakistan are manufactured and tested in Western countries. Clinical trials for these drugs are conducted on Western populations, without taking into account the genetic variations found in Pakistani patients.

The research team tested a widely used chemotherapy drug on both Pakistani and European-origin cell lines. Shockingly, the results showed that the drug was highly effective on European-origin breast cancer cells but had extremely low effectiveness on Pakistani breast cancer cells. This means that Pakistani women undergoing chemotherapy may not be receiving the full benefits of the treatment.

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Pakistan’s High Breast Cancer Rate – A Cause for Concern

Pakistan ranks seventh in breast cancer cases in South Asia and fifth in breast cancer-related deaths. According to researcher Samra Khan, breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 to 45. Unfortunately, the treatment guidelines followed in Pakistan are based on European data, which do not match the genetic structure of Pakistani patients.

The research also found that:

• The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, responsible for breast cancer, are significantly different in Pakistani and European populations.
• Many Pakistani patients who initially respond to chemotherapy experience an earlier-than-expected recurrence of the disease.
• The overall breast cancer survival rate in Pakistan is lower compared to Western countries, highlighting the need for better treatment options.

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The Urgent Need for Locally Developed Cancer Treatments

Given these findings, health experts and researchers in Pakistan must focus on developing cancer treatments tailored to the local population. The study emphasizes the need for:

✔ Large-scale genetic research on Pakistani breast cancer patients.
✔ Clinical trials for chemotherapy drugs on Pakistani women before approval for local use.
✔ Government and pharmaceutical industry investment in the development of customized cancer treatments.
✔ Increased awareness and funding for breast cancer research in Pakistan.

This groundbreaking research serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s healthcare system. The fight against breast cancer cannot be won with a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s time to develop personalized treatment solutions that cater to the unique genetic makeup of Pakistani women.

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Final Thoughts

Breast cancer treatment in Pakistan must move beyond simply importing Western medicines. With proper research, investment, and locally tested treatments, thousands of lives can be saved. It’s time for Pakistan’s healthcare system to step up and take action for the women who need it the most.

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