Gene Test Empowers Breast Cancer Patients to Skip Chemotherapy Safely
Gene test can safely spare breast cancer patients of chemotherapy
Image: Deccan Herald
A gene test from the OPTIMA trial allows breast cancer patients aged 40 and above to avoid chemotherapy without increasing recurrence risk. Conducted by University College London, the trial involved over 4,400 participants and shows that those with low Prosigna scores can be treated effectively with hormone therapy alone.
- 01The OPTIMA trial followed 4,429 patients across multiple countries, revealing that 68% had low Prosigna scores.
- 02Five years post-treatment, 94.8% of patients receiving chemotherapy were alive and recurrence-free, compared to 93.6% for those on hormone therapy alone.
- 03Only 2% of patients with low Prosigna scores benefitted from chemotherapy, indicating many could avoid its side effects.
- 04The trial suggests over 5,000 NHS patients annually could skip chemotherapy due to these findings.
- 05The next phase of the OPTIMA trial will explore implications for premenopausal women, with results expected in several years.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The recent OPTIMA trial, led by University College London (UCL), has demonstrated that patients with early-stage hormone-sensitive breast cancer can safely forgo chemotherapy by using a gene test called Prosigna. This test evaluates the genetic activity associated with cancer growth and was administered to over 4,400 participants across the UK, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand. Results indicate that individuals aged 40 and older with low Prosigna scores can effectively manage their condition with hormone therapy alone, avoiding the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Specifically, the trial found that 68% of participants had low scores, and five years after treatment, survival rates were nearly identical between those who received chemotherapy and those who did not. Chief Investigator Professor Rob Stein emphasized that this approach personalizes treatment, sparing many patients from the burdens of chemotherapy. The findings could allow approximately 5,000 patients in the NHS to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy each year.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The findings from the OPTIMA trial could significantly reduce the number of breast cancer patients undergoing unnecessary chemotherapy, leading to improved quality of life.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think gene testing should be a standard part of breast cancer treatment?
Connecting to poll...
More about University College London
Terapia genética VERVE-102 reduce el colesterol LDL de forma permanente con una sola infusión
Clarin • May 31, 2026
Un nuevo test genético permite omitir la quimioterapia en pacientes con cáncer de mama
Clarin • May 31, 2026
Nuevo estudio revela por qué el T. rex tenía brazos pequeños
El Comercio Perú • May 29, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.