Groundbreaking Research May Spare Many Breast Cancer Patients from Chemotherapy
A remarkable medical breakthrough could potentially allow millions of breast cancer patients to avoid the often harsh side effects of chemotherapy. This development comes as a result of a new DNA test that can effectively differentiate between those patients who might benefit from chemotherapy treatments and those who will not.
A Global Endeavor in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The research involved a comprehensive, international study with participants from several countries across the globe. Over 4,000 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, all over the age of 40, from the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand took part in the study.
The Power of Gene Testing
The scientists in charge of the study used a special gene test, known as Prosigna, to gauge the activity of 50 genes that are involved in the growth of breast cancer. This information was then used to calculate a patient's risk of the disease making a comeback.
Notably, those participants who received a low score, which accounted for two-thirds of the group, were not treated with chemotherapy. The five-year survival rate for this group was 93.7%, which is only slightly lower than the 94.9% survival rate amongst the patients who received chemotherapy as a part of their treatment.
Chemotherapy and Its Role in Breast Cancer Treatment
The primary course of action in treating breast cancer usually involves surgery to remove tumors. Chemotherapy is often recommended afterwards to reduce the risk of the disease returning. It is also commonly offered to individuals with early-stage breast cancer that has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
However, there are concerns among clinicians that chemotherapy provides little benefit to those with the most common type of breast cancer. The results from this groundbreaking study may ensure that over 5,000 patients annually could avoid chemotherapy.
Real-Life Impact of the Study
Karen Bonham, a participant in the trial from Cardiff, expressed immense relief at the results, likening the feeling to Christmas. The 64-year-old was able to avoid chemotherapy thanks to the Prosigna test, and instead received radiotherapy and hormone therapy over an eight-year span. She described the experience as a whirlwind of uncertainty where survival becomes the top priority.
Stepping Towards Personalised Treatment
The chief investigator of the trial, a professor of breast oncology, stated that the results of this study represent a significant stride towards more personalised treatment for breast cancer. These findings will be presented at a major cancer conference in Chicago, United States, providing further exposure to this promising advancement in the battle against breast cancer.
A remarkable medical breakthrough could potentially allow millions of breast cancer patients to avoid the often harsh side effects of chemotherapy. This development comes as a result of a new DNA test that can effectively differentiate between those patients who might benefit from chemotherapy treatments and those who will not.
A Global Endeavor in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The research involved a comprehensive, international study with participants from several countries across the globe. Over 4,000 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, all over the age of 40, from the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand took part in the study.
The Power of Gene Testing
The scientists in charge of the study used a special gene test, known as Prosigna, to gauge the activity of 50 genes that are involved in the growth of breast cancer. This information was then used to calculate a patient's risk of the disease making a comeback.
Notably, those participants who received a low score, which accounted for two-thirds of the group, were not treated with chemotherapy. The five-year survival rate for this group was 93.7%, which is only slightly lower than the 94.9% survival rate amongst the patients who received chemotherapy as a part of their treatment.
Chemotherapy and Its Role in Breast Cancer Treatment
The primary course of action in treating breast cancer usually involves surgery to remove tumors. Chemotherapy is often recommended afterwards to reduce the risk of the disease returning. It is also commonly offered to individuals with early-stage breast cancer that has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
However, there are concerns among clinicians that chemotherapy provides little benefit to those with the most common type of breast cancer. The results from this groundbreaking study may ensure that over 5,000 patients annually could avoid chemotherapy.
Real-Life Impact of the Study
Karen Bonham, a participant in the trial from Cardiff, expressed immense relief at the results, likening the feeling to Christmas. The 64-year-old was able to avoid chemotherapy thanks to the Prosigna test, and instead received radiotherapy and hormone therapy over an eight-year span. She described the experience as a whirlwind of uncertainty where survival becomes the top priority.
Stepping Towards Personalised Treatment
The chief investigator of the trial, a professor of breast oncology, stated that the results of this study represent a significant stride towards more personalised treatment for breast cancer. These findings will be presented at a major cancer conference in Chicago, United States, providing further exposure to this promising advancement in the battle against breast cancer.