THE discovery by scientists in Scotland of a rogue gene implicated in tumours has resulted in a gene therapy treatment for a common form of lung cancer.

Doctors at a cancer centre at Texas University claimed success in clinical trials for a drug based on the p53 gene identified by Professor David Lane at Dundee University. The p53 gene acts as a tumour suppressor by halting the proliferation of cells or bringing about ''cell suicide'' where the DNA of the cells has been damaged. Mutations in p53, rendering it ineffective, are thought to be involved in 50% of all cancers.

The American doctors used a preparation called INGN 201, which uses an adenovirus as a carrier, to administer p53 to patients with non small-cell lung cancer, accounting for 75% of lung cancers and with a five-year survival rate of 13%.

They delivered the drug once a month to the tumour sites of 52 patients for six months; half also received a standard drug, cisplatin. Seven had 50% shrinkage of their tumour; 33 had the disease stabilised.