New DNA Test May Help Breast Cancer Patients Avoid Unnecessary Chemotherapy

New DNA Test Could Help Thousands of Breast Cancer Patients Avoid Chemotherapy

Breakthrough Research Offers a More Personalized Approach to Breast Cancer Treatment

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A ground breaking international study has revealed that many breast cancer patients may no longer need chemotherapy, thanks to a DNA-based test that can identify who is most likely to benefit from the treatment.

Researchers found that more than two-thirds of women participating in the study achieved excellent outcomes without undergoing chemotherapy. Instead, they were successfully treated with hormone therapy, avoiding many of the harsh side effects commonly associated with cancer treatment.

The findings could significantly change how breast cancer is treated worldwide and may help thousands of patients each year avoid unnecessary chemotherapy.

How the DNA Test Works

The study used a genomic test called Prosigna, which analyzes the activity of 50 genes linked to breast cancer development and recurrence. By examining these genetic markers, doctors can better predict whether a patient’s cancer is likely to return after initial treatment.

Patients receive a risk score based on the test results. Those identified as having a low risk of recurrence may not require chemotherapy, while higher-risk patients can still receive additional treatment when necessary.

This approach allows doctors to tailor treatment plans to each individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Study Involved More Than 4,000 Breast Cancer Patients

Led by researchers at University College London (UCL), the trial included more than 4,000 women over the age of 40 who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Participants were recruited from several countries, including:

United Kingdom
Norway
Sweden
Australia
New Zealand
Thailand

The large-scale study focused on determining whether genomic testing could accurately identify patients who could safely avoid chemotherapy.

Survival Rates Remained High Without Chemotherapy

The results were highly encouraging.

Approximately two-thirds of participants received low-risk scores and did not undergo chemotherapy. Instead, they were treated using hormone therapy following surgery.

After five years, the survival rate among patients who skipped chemotherapy was 93.7%. In comparison, patients who received chemotherapy had a survival rate of 94.9%.

The small difference in outcomes suggests that many women can achieve excellent long-term results without being exposed to chemotherapy’s potentially severe side effects.

Why Avoiding Chemotherapy Matters

Chemotherapy has long been used to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning after surgery. However, it often comes with significant physical and emotional challenges.

Common side effects include:

Extreme fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Hair loss
Increased risk of infections
Fertility-related complications
Reduced quality of life during treatment

By identifying patients who are unlikely to benefit from chemotherapy, healthcare providers can help reduce unnecessary treatment and improve overall patient well-being.

Potential Impact on Breast Cancer Care

Researchers believe the findings could have a major impact on healthcare systems.

According to UCL, more than 5,000 breast cancer patients treated through the NHS each year could potentially avoid chemotherapy if genomic testing becomes a standard part of care.

The study also supports the growing role of personalized medicine, where treatment decisions are guided by a patient’s unique genetic profile rather than broad clinical guidelines.

Patient Shares Her Experience

Karen Bonham, a 64-year-old participant from Cardiff, was among the women who benefited from the Prosigna test.

After receiving a low-risk score, she avoided chemotherapy and instead underwent radiotherapy and hormone therapy. Years later, she continues to do well and describes the study’s findings as an enormous relief.

Like many cancer patients, she faced uncertainty following her diagnosis. However, having access to a more personalized treatment plan helped reduce the burden of treatment while maintaining confidence in her care.

Experts Say Findings Could Change Clinical Practice

Cancer specialists believe the study could transform how doctors approach breast cancer treatment.

Professor David Miles, one of the leading experts involved in the research, said the genomic test provides doctors with greater certainty when deciding whether chemotherapy is necessary.

Historically, many patients received chemotherapy as a precaution because clinicians lacked precise tools to determine who would benefit most. The new DNA test may help eliminate unnecessary treatment while ensuring that high-risk patients continue to receive appropriate care.

A Major Step Forward for Personalized Medicine

The study’s results will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), one of the world’s largest cancer conferences.

Researchers say the findings represent an important advancement in precision medicine and could improve treatment experiences for thousands of breast cancer patients each year.

However, experts caution that the current data primarily applies to women over the age of 40. Additional research is still underway to determine whether the same benefits extend to younger patients.

Conclusion

The development of the Prosigna DNA test marks a significant milestone in breast cancer treatment. By identifying patients who are unlikely to benefit from chemotherapy, doctors can offer more personalized care while reducing unnecessary side effects and treatment burdens.

As genomic testing continues to advance, breast cancer care is moving toward a future where treatment decisions are increasingly tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Prosigna breast cancer test?

Prosigna is a genomic test that evaluates the activity of 50 genes associated with breast cancer. It helps estimate the risk of cancer recurrence and guides treatment decisions.

Can breast cancer patients avoid chemotherapy?

Many patients identified as low-risk through genomic testing may safely avoid chemotherapy and achieve excellent outcomes with hormone therapy alone.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, weakened immunity, fertility concerns, and emotional stress.

Does this research apply to younger women?

Currently, the study’s findings are based on patients over 40 years old. Further research is needed to determine whether similar results apply to younger patients.

Why is personalized cancer treatment important?

Personalized treatment helps ensure patients receive therapies that offer the greatest benefit while minimizing unnecessary side effects and healthcare costs.

Sources

Sources: Research findings published by University College London (UCL) and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual cancer conference. Additional reporting from Reuters and The Guardian.