Genetic analysis is now supported
Women with early-stage invasive breast cancer now have access to the Oncotype DX® test in all public and private healthcare facilities. This test analyzes the activity of 21 genes within the tumor and provides a personalized Recurrence Score® result that reflects the risk of recurrence. It is asked when the likelihood of a patient benefiting from chemotherapy is uncertain. The result of the score helps to decide between chemotherapy necessary or not.
10 years of hormone therapy could do even better than 5 years
Women whose cancer has been treated at an early stage appear to have a lower risk of a relapse if they follow a hormone therapy for ten years, instead of five years, according to a study presented at the ASCO congress. A risk reduced by 34% compared to the absence of hormonal treatment. The growth of most breast tumors is stimulated by female hormones (positive hormone receptors) that hormone therapy aims to suppress.
A blood test to assess the risk of radiation sequelae
The blood sample is sent to a laboratory where it is subjected to radiation to assess the number of cells that are more responsive to radiation. Based on the rate of disappearance of certain cells (CD8 lymphocytes) and several other criteria, software calculates the risk of breast fibrosis. The answer is obtained in a few days. If it is high, particular radiotherapy modalities may be preferred. Developed by Montpellier researchers, the test is offered on an experimental basis by the Montpellier radiotherapy center.
Towards new diagnostic tools
Cancers arise from initially healthy cells that have become abnormal due to the accumulation of alterations in their genetic makeup (DNA). However, breast tumors exhibit a particularly large variety of alterations. This is what the researchers who realize whole genome sequencingDNA from 560 breast tumors. This research led to the identification of a catalog of more than 1600 alterations suspected to be at the origin of tumor development. Alterations affecting 93 different genes, 10 of which are altered in 62% of tumors. Knowing them and identifying them should in the future make it possible to choose the most targeted treatment.
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