Ovarian cancer gene discovery is a "milestone"

The science news discovery of a faulty gene responsible for ovarian cancer is an "important milestone", according to one expert.

Simon Denegri, chief executive officer of Ovarian Cancer Action, said that the findings bring scientists a step closer to unlocking all of the secrets of the cancer in order to more effectively treat women in the future.

Scientists from the Institute of Cancer Research found that women who carry a defective copy of a gene called RAD51D have almost a one in 11 chance of developing ovarian cancer, making them six times more likely to develop the disease than other women.

"Although genetic mutation affects lower numbers of women, work at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre shows that other aspects of DNA repair machinery is invoked in patients who develop resistance to chemotherapy," Mr Denegri explained.

He said that the discovery will help scientists develop a range of targeted therapeutic options for patients.