Seven classes of breast cancer test 'offers new hope'
A test that identifies seven classes of breast cancer could be available within two years, say UK scientists.
Writing in the British Journal of Cancer, the Nottingham researchers say it could help doctors tailor treatment better and boost survival rates.
Currently, two biomarkers are routinely screened for in breast tumours.
Last year researchers revealed that breast cancer can be divided into 10 different forms of the disease based on a patient's genetic make-up.
However, these can only be identified using detailed genetic profiling, which is costly and impractical for most patients.
Each cancer type has a different impact on survival rates, scientists report .
Now, a team led by Andy Green of the University of Nottingham has developed a method that screens for 10 key proteins that identify seven different biological types of breast cancer.
Dr Green said that as treatment options available for breast cancer patients increase, decision-making regarding the choice of the most appropriate treatment method is becoming increasingly complex.
"Improvements in care and outcome for patients with breast cancer will involve improved targeting of effective therapies to appropriate patients," he said.
"Equally important should be improvement in parallel strategies to avoid unnecessary or inappropriate treatment and side effects."
The technology needed to measure the proteins in tumour samples already exists in most pathology laboratories across the UK, he added.
Writing in the British Journal of Cancer, the Nottingham researchers say it could help doctors tailor treatment better and boost survival rates.
Currently, two biomarkers are routinely screened for in breast tumours.
Last year researchers revealed that breast cancer can be divided into 10 different forms of the disease based on a patient's genetic make-up.
However, these can only be identified using detailed genetic profiling, which is costly and impractical for most patients.
Each cancer type has a different impact on survival rates, scientists report .
Now, a team led by Andy Green of the University of Nottingham has developed a method that screens for 10 key proteins that identify seven different biological types of breast cancer.
Dr Green said that as treatment options available for breast cancer patients increase, decision-making regarding the choice of the most appropriate treatment method is becoming increasingly complex.
"Improvements in care and outcome for patients with breast cancer will involve improved targeting of effective therapies to appropriate patients," he said.
"Equally important should be improvement in parallel strategies to avoid unnecessary or inappropriate treatment and side effects."
The technology needed to measure the proteins in tumour samples already exists in most pathology laboratories across the UK, he added.
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