A new genomic test could allow millions of breast cancer patients to safely avoid chemotherapy, according to the results of an international trial that is set to reshape treatment guidelines worldwide.
The study, reported by BBC News and The Guardian, suggests that patients with a low score on the DNA-based test can be treated with hormone therapy alone, with near-identical outcomes to those who undergo chemotherapy. The test is designed to assess the risk of cancer returning after surgery, helping doctors decide whether the aggressive treatment is necessary.
“New international trial suggests a genomic DNA test can identify breast cancer patients who can safely skip chemotherapy and use hormone therapy alone, potentially affecting millions of women worldwide.”
Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer globally. Standard treatment involves surgery to remove tumours, followed by chemotherapy if doctors believe there is a significant risk of the disease returning. However, chemotherapy can cause severe side effects, including fatigue, nausea, hair loss and long-term health problems.
The trial's findings offer hope that many patients could be spared these difficulties. One woman involved in the study described her relief at learning she could skip chemotherapy as “like Christmas”. The test analyses the genetic makeup of a tumour to predict its behaviour, allowing personalised decisions.
In the UK, around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. If adopted by the NHS, the test could significantly reduce the number of patients undergoing chemotherapy, freeing up resources and reducing the burden on patients. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) would need to assess the test’s cost-effectiveness before it could be rolled out widely.
Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, health boards would likely implement the test following a positive recommendation from NICE. The trial’s results are expected to influence guidelines from organisations such as the Royal College of Physicians and Cancer Research UK.
Neither the BBC nor The Guardian named the specific trial or its lead researchers, but both described it as a large international study. The findings have been welcomed by cancer specialists, though experts caution that further analysis is needed to determine which patients would benefit most from the test.
What happens next will depend on how quickly regulatory bodies review the evidence. If approved, the test could become a standard part of breast cancer care within a few years.
What This Means For You - Patients: Women diagnosed with breast cancer may in future be offered a genomic test to determine if chemotherapy is necessary. Those with a low score could avoid the side effects of chemotherapy and rely on hormone therapy alone. - NHS: Implementing the test could save money by reducing the number of chemotherapy treatments, but there would be upfront costs for the testing equipment and training. - Doctors: Clinicians will need to interpret test scores and discuss options with patients, ensuring shared decision-making. - Policymakers: NICE and the four UK health departments will need to assess the clinical and economic evidence before updating national guidelines.