( e National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and...)New genetic test for breast cancer

e National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, a network of cancer research professionals. The test identifies which of 21 specific genes are turned on or off in the tumor. This genetic assessment estimates a patient's risk of recurrence more precisely than standard clinical characteristics, such as tumor size and grade. It also helps predict whether a patient will benefit from chemotherapy.

"This test yields what is called a recurrence score. For about 55 percent of women, the recurrence score is greater than 25 or less than 11. In these cases, the test clearly indicates the most effective therapy: a combination of chemotherapy and hormones for women with high scores, and hormones alone for women with low scores," Dr. Sparano said. "But about 45 percent of women receive scores that range from 11 to 25, where the treatment path is not so clear. Our study is designed to resolve this uncertainty."

Women participating in the TAILORx trial will be assigned to one of three groups depending on their recurrence score. If the score is more than 25, women will receive chemotherapy plus hormonal therapy, the current standard of care. If it is less than 11, they will receive hormonal therapy alone. If the recurrence score is between 11 and 25, women will be randomized to receive either hormonal therapy or hormonal therapy together with chemotherapy.

"With this trial, we're taking a big leap forward in integrating modern molecular diagnostic testing into clinical decision-making in order to individualize cancer treatments," Dr. Sparano said.

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Source:Rubenstein Associates, Inc.


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