Major International Trial Shows Promising Results
Scientists have developed a DNA-based test that could help millions of breast cancer patients avoid chemotherapy by identifying those unlikely to benefit from the treatment.
The findings emerged from a large international clinical trial led by University College London, involving more than 4,000 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients over the age of 40 across the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand.
Researchers used a genomic test known as Prosigna to analyze the activity of 50 genes associated with breast cancer growth and recurrence risk.
The test enabled doctors to identify patients with a lower likelihood of cancer returning.
Consequently, more than two-thirds of participants received hormone therapy without undergoing chemotherapy.
Researchers reported a five-year survival rate of 93.7 percent among patients who avoided chemotherapy, compared with 94.9 percent among those who received the treatment.
Meanwhile, experts said the results support a more personalized approach to cancer care.
Reduced Side Effects and More Individualized Care
Chemotherapy remains a common treatment following breast cancer surgery because it can reduce the risk of recurrence.
However, the treatment often causes significant side effects, including fatigue, nausea, hair loss, weakened immunity, and fertility complications.
Furthermore, clinicians have questioned whether chemotherapy offers meaningful benefits to every patient with early-stage breast cancer, particularly those with the most common forms of the disease.
Researchers believe the new testing approach could spare thousands of patients from unnecessary treatment while maintaining excellent outcomes.
According to estimates, more than 5,000 patients annually within the NHS could potentially avoid chemotherapy if the findings are widely adopted.
Additionally, patient participants described the results as life-changing, emphasizing the emotional and physical relief associated with avoiding intensive treatment.
The study’s findings are being presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.
Researchers noted that further studies are still needed to determine whether the same results apply to patients under the age of 40.
