New Test Could Predict Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

A new study has found a novel test approach that could identify women who are at risk of having their breast cancer return within ten years of diagnosis by looking for hotspots of immune cells inside the patient's tumor.

A new study was recently conducted using a new approach that could identify women who may be at risk of having their breast cancer recur within a period of ten years. This can be determined through diagnosis by looking at the hotspots of the immune cells present inside the patient. Tools were used to detect and analyze the immune cell hotspots present in tumor samples collected from more than 1,000 women suffering from breast cancer. It was found that those who came back with the lowest numbers were at an increased risk of immune cell hotspots. Doctors are aware of prognostic tools that can help to predict the outcome as well as the rate it would recur in such groups of patients. The combination of IHC4 and the new immune score test possesses greater diagnostic capabilities than the previously used Oncotype DX test. This new method would provide an accurate way to identify women who are at a higher risk of their breast cancer returning. Once the risk numbers are identified, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the stress and fear that arise in these women. The study has also opened doors for further research to be conducted on the link between breast cancer and the immune system. Still, thorough study is required to formulate a better plan of identifying patients who could benefit the most from this combination diagnostic tool.

One of the other new tests is a blood test that can help doctors identify those suffering from metastatic breast cancer. The use of this single blood test can help to locate as well as monitor any kind of alteration in the 13 varied genes connected to breast cancer. One of the most important discoveries gleaned from carrying out this blood test in the study was the ability to identify as well as track the HER2 gene, which is known to be the driver of breast cancer. This new “liquid biopsy” can help to identify certain kinds of mutations in the ESR, or estrogen receptor, which has been linked in patients who have a resistance to anti-hormone treatment options, such as aromatase inhibitors. According to the study’s Dr. Gunthry, this new blood test was successfully developed to help simultaneously copy the number of alterations, which are very important in driving breast cancer growth, as well as detect the somatic mutations. This test can help both the patient and their doctor to choose the best treatment at the most helpful time by carrying out an analysis of the blood plasma as well as measuring any kind of genetic changes specific to cancer, which include the estrogen receptor gene and the HER2 gene mutations.