Biomarker for personalized therapy of breast cancer by de-escalating adjuvant chemotherapy

Scientists from OUS and UiO have identified a unique biomarker in patients with basal-like breast cancer, which indicates a favorable prognosis. Most of these patients have triple-negative breast cancer. Currently, the majority of these patients undergo chemotherapy before or after surgery. This treatment can lead to significant and long-lasting side effects. With the discovery of this biomarker, there's potential to determine which patients might not require such intensive treatment, thereby avoiding its associated complications. The research team is in the process of developing a diagnostic test based on this biomarker's expression. This test could help clinicians discern which patients have a favorable prognosis and might be candidates for reduced chemotherapy regimens. Still, the scientists emphasize the need to ensure that such treatment modifications don't compromise the patients' survival outcomes. As they move forward, the team plans to secure IP and then engage with diagnostic companies to explore commercialization avenues. The goal is to generate interest and potentially integrate this biomarker test into existing or new diagnostic panels.