A new genetic test could help identify patients who would benefit from chemotherapy and those who would not. The National Cancer Institute is enrolling women in a major new clinical trial designed to study the effectiveness of the test for women with breast cancer. This is good news for oncologists who have argued for years that chemotherapy can be counterproductive in some cases.
The test, known as the Oncotype DX test, looks at 21 different genes that can offer a good indication of the likelihood of remission. Recipients receive a score of one to 100. Women who receive a score over 30 are advised that chemo is probably necessary. Health officials hope this will spare women with low scores who wouldn't benefit from the treatment.
- read this AP article for more
PLUS: For more on oncology, see award-winning financial journalist Maggie Mahar's post on my Health Care Blog, "Can There Be Too Many Cures for Cancer?" Blog