Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) have pioneered a blood test capable of predicting how a patient will respond to breast cancer therapy. By identifying early on which treatments are likely to fail, doctors can pivot to more effective alternatives, potentially saving lives and sparing patients from unnecessary side effects.
How the Technology Works
The breakthrough centers on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)—microscopic fragments of genetic material shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. By analyzing these fragments, scientists can "read" the cancer's behavior without invasive surgery.
The study monitored 167 patients, measuring their ctDNA levels at two critical points:
- Baseline: Before the start of treatment.
- Early Check: Four weeks into the therapy cycle.
Key Findings by Patient Group
The research focused on two distinct categories of breast cancer, which affects roughly two million people annually:
- Mutation-Specific Group: Patients with ESR1, HER2, AKT1, AKT, or PTEN mutations received targeted therapies tailored to their specific genetic markers.
- The Triple-Negative Cohort: Patients battling this aggressive subtype—which represents 10–15% of cases globally—received a dual-drug regimen of olaparib and ceralasertib.
For the triple-negative group, the results were particularly striking. Patients who began treatment with low levels of ctDNA survived an average of 10.2 months without their condition worsening, compared to just 4.4 months for those with higher levels.
A Faster Path to Effective Care
According to Dr. Iseult Browne, the study's lead author, the ability to predict success within just one month is a game-changer. Rather than waiting months for a traditional scan to show whether a tumor has shrunk, doctors can now use this "early warning system" to:
- Switch to alternative therapies immediately if ctDNA levels remain high.
- Combine drugs for a more aggressive approach.
- Enroll patients in clinical trials for novel medications at an earlier stage.
"Identifying these patterns early enables us to bypass unsuccessful regimens and implement alternative care, effectively outpacing the cancer's progression," Dr. Browne stated.Ongoing clinical trials are now investigating whether proactively changing treatments based on these blood tests directly leads to better long-term survival rates.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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