October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate yourself and your loved ones on the signs, symptoms and treatment options for breast cancer. If you or someone you know is diagnosed with breast cancer, it is important to understand the treatment options available so you can stay updated on your care plan throughout your cancer journey. For those diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, good news came early this month.
Earlier this week, promising information was released in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) confirming that early stage breast cancer patients may not need chemotherapy to effectively treat their cancer. The findings are based on the results of a study that looked at a gene-based test that detects specific genes in a breast tumor to determine how aggressive the cancer may be.
Dr. Erika Hamilton, Associate Director of the Breast Cancer and Gynecologic Cancer Research Program at Sarah Cannon, shares important takeaways from this study and the impact it has on the future of breast cancer treatments. 
How does the test work?
Dr. Hamilton: The gene-based test, Oncotype DX, looks at the DNA, or genetic information, in breast cancer to tell us what is driving the cancer and how likely it is to come back. The genetic information sheds light on how aggressive the cancer is and helps inform what treatments are needed. The test has been used for several years, helping physicians and women make personalized decisions about whether chemotherapy is needed for certain breast cancers that possess hormone receptors.
What did this study show?
Dr. Hamilton: This study confirmed what we believed, that women with a very low Oncotype score have exceptionally great outcomes (98% survival at 5 years) with hormone therapy alone and thus chemotherapy would not be anticipated to provide any additional benefit for these women. This test allows healthcare providers to take a close look at the genetic make-up of a cancer to personalize each women's care, sparing low-risk women the side effects of chemotherapy. For those with more aggressive breast cancers, chemotherapy remains necessary and beneficial for effectively treating their cancer.
What does this mean for the future of breast cancer treatments?
Dr. Hamilton: Understanding the genetic make-up of cancer cells is a trend that will only continue to grow and advance the fight against cancer. The more insights we have on what is causing the cancer to grow, the more informed we are in determining how to effectively treat it, improving patient treatment options and ultimately outcomes. Breast cancer treatment isn't a "one-size fits all" approach anymore, we can now tailor each woman's care to her individual risk and make the choices that are right for her.
For more information on the study and the impact of the results visit Time Magazine and NEJM.