1 IN 4 WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER MAY AVOID CHEMO
Research shows some won’t benefit from procedure
ONE in four Irish women who took part in a study did not need chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer, it has emerged.
The research involved 74 patients from hospitals in Dublin, Cork, Letterkenny, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
It was led by consultant medical oncologist at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin Dr Patrick Morris and Cancer Trials Ireland.
The results showed women with a low chance of cancer recurrence or tumours that are resistant to the procedure can avoid chemo as they will not benefit from it.
Dr Morris said: “This study adds important information about how this test can help oncologists advise on the benefits of chemotherapy.
“Our results show a quarter of patients with node positive early stage breast cancer avoided chemotherapy after oncotype testing.
“This study will hopefully lead to greater individualised care in Ireland in the future.
“Our ongoing research is examining whether this test can be used in patients before breast cancer surgery.”
The research was done on the back of a new test that can identify aspects of cancer which will determine if patients need to undergo the therapy. It was based on a series of recommendations from leading cancer doctors and will help aid treatment by allowing medics to find which patients need the procedure.