"Breakthrough Test Reveals Which Breast Cancer Treatment Will Work Best"
In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have developed a simple DNA blood test that can accurately predict which breast cancer treatment will be most effective for individual patients. The innovative liquid biopsy analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) released into the bloodstream by cancer cells, providing an early prediction of how well a patient's breast cancer will respond to treatment.
The study, published recently, involved analyzing blood samples from 167 patients with advanced breast cancer and showed that low levels of ctDNA at the start of treatment were strongly associated with improved response rates. Similarly, after just four weeks of treatment, patients with undetectable ctDNA levels had better outcomes, with their cancer kept under control for longer periods.
The test has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment by allowing doctors to offer personalized alternatives to ineffective treatments, thereby boosting patient survival rates and improving quality of life. Researchers believe that this breakthrough could also apply to early-stage breast cancers, paving the way for more effective treatment decisions that are tailored to individual patients' needs.
With over 2 million new cases diagnosed globally each year, breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide. The development of this simple yet powerful blood test marks a significant milestone in the fight against this disease, providing hope for improved outcomes and enhanced patient care.
In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have developed a simple DNA blood test that can accurately predict which breast cancer treatment will be most effective for individual patients. The innovative liquid biopsy analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) released into the bloodstream by cancer cells, providing an early prediction of how well a patient's breast cancer will respond to treatment.
The study, published recently, involved analyzing blood samples from 167 patients with advanced breast cancer and showed that low levels of ctDNA at the start of treatment were strongly associated with improved response rates. Similarly, after just four weeks of treatment, patients with undetectable ctDNA levels had better outcomes, with their cancer kept under control for longer periods.
The test has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment by allowing doctors to offer personalized alternatives to ineffective treatments, thereby boosting patient survival rates and improving quality of life. Researchers believe that this breakthrough could also apply to early-stage breast cancers, paving the way for more effective treatment decisions that are tailored to individual patients' needs.
With over 2 million new cases diagnosed globally each year, breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide. The development of this simple yet powerful blood test marks a significant milestone in the fight against this disease, providing hope for improved outcomes and enhanced patient care.