Blood test could lead to personalized breast cancer treatment in women over 70
Researchers at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh have identified a blood test measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) that could personalize breast cancer treatment for women over 70, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries.
A group of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers have discovered that a blood test could lead to personalized breast cancer treatment for women over 70, according to an announcement.
Participants were all 70 years of age or older, had estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, and underwent blood testing. The scientists looked for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood. They discovered that those without ctDNA before treatment or after starting endocrine therapy “were more likely to have stable disease or tumor shrinkage.” The opposite was found in participants with ctDNA.
The researchers emphasized that this could mean those who are ctDNA-negative won’t benefit from surgery and radiation, while those who are ctDNA-positive might, but larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
