The Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad discussed the PhD dissertation of the student Shireen Nazar Qasim, titled:
“Evaluation of the Gene Expression of the Cell-Stress-Sensitive NLRP3 Gene as Predictive Factors in Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients,”
supervised by Asst. Prof. Dr. Weam Ahmed Al-Aamili and Asst. Prof. Dr. Ali Imad Mohammed.
The study aimed to investigate genetic and immunological biomarkers that may assist in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy, in addition to conducting an in-depth analysis of all genetic factors associated with the development of cancer and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy through whole-genome sequencing using NGS technology.
The dissertation examined the side effects of chemotherapy and its impact on peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients.
The study emphasized the importance of patients’ quality of life, noting that curing cancer alone is not sufficient—patients must also enjoy a good quality of life after completing treatment.
The study recommended several points to the medical community, most notably the importance of monitoring chemotherapy side effects and treating them at early stages, adopting personalized medical approaches, and targeting the metabolic pathways involved in neuropathy with specific therapies.
