21 Mar 70-Gene Signature Changes 50% of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Advice

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Anne Kuijer, MD
Departments of Surgery and Radiology
University Medical Center Utrecht and
Thijs van Dalen, PhD
Department of Surgery
Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: In recent years it has become evident that clinicopathological factors fail to accurately determine prognosis in hormone receptor positive early stage breast cancer patients at intermediate risk of developing metastases. Gene-expression profiles, such as the 70-gene signature (MammaPrint) are therefore increasingly used for chemotherapy decision-making. In the current multicentre study we assessed the impact of 70-gene signature use on chemotherapy decisions in these patients. We demonstrated that, without the use of the 70-gene signature, half of patients was advised chemotherapy, which reflects the current controversy regarding chemotherapy benefit. Use of the 70-gene signature changed the chemotherapy advice in half of all patients and adherence to the 70-gene signature result was high.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Our study illustrates the current controversy regarding chemotherapy benefit and the difficulties that physician encounter in chemotherapy decision-making based on clinicopathological factors alone in early stage breast cancer patients at intermediate risk of developing metastases. Use of a gene-expression profile in these patients has substantial impact on chemotherapy decision-making.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Recently a large clinical trial has prospectively confirmed the prognostic value of the 70-gene signature, also in patients at higher risk for developing metastases. Future research should focus on further delineating subgroups of patients in whom use of a gene-expression profile can be useful to avoid unneccessary administration of chemotherapy.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Impact of 70-Gene Signature Use on Adjuvant Chemotherapy Decisions in Patients With Estrogen Receptor–Positive Early Breast Cancer: Results of a Prospective Cohort Study
Anne Kuijer, Marieke Straver, Bianca den Dekker, Annelotte C.M. van Bommel, Sjoerd G. Elias, Carolien H. Smorenburg, Jelle Wesseling, Sabine C. Linn, Emiel J.Th. Rutgers, Sabine Siesling, and Thijs van Dalen
Journal of Clinical Oncology

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Last Updated on March 21, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD