The bespoke cancer 'cure': Patients could get specially tailored drugs after British scientists decode damage to DNA

Scientists have unlocked the DNA secrets of two of the deadliest forms of cancer.

The breakthrough could lead to 'bespoke' treatments tailored for individual patients, as well as better detection. In the landmark study, Cambridge University researchers charted the thousands of pieces of damage to DNA which turn normal cells into lung or skin cancer.

They found more than 23,000 mutations, caused by smoke, in the DNA of a lung cancer cell.Skin cancer cells were even more damaged, with more than 33,000 mutations, many triggered by sunlight.

It is the first time the entire range of defects that turn a cell cancerous has been laid bare and it has been hailed as a 'transforming moment' in the fight against the disease.

Researchers will now focus on identifying which genetic mutations are the key 'drivers' that fuel the cancer. This could lead to new drugs and blood tests to pick up the disease in the earliest stages, when it is easiest to treat.

The scientists also hope that studying the genetic damage will enable new and better-targeted treatments. Every patient could have their own 'mutation chart', mapping the precise flaws behind their illness and indicating the best drugs to treat them. (Daily Mail)