Breast cancer: A simple blood test to detect early recurrence – Teknomers.

A groundbreaking new approach in breast cancer treatment is emerging with the potential to  detect  biological markers of relapse through a simple blood test. This method promises to allow for early intervention and preventive treatments, representing a significant innovation in cancer care through the use of  liquid biopsy .

Liquid biopsy, or  circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)  analysis, tracks the progression of cancer via a  blood sample  rather than traditional biopsies, which are more intrusive and involve extensive procedures. This technology aims to identify the presence of tumor-produced DNA in the blood, which contains vital genetic information. Such a method marks a significant  scientific advancement  in recent years, especially in addressing the needs of women afflicted with  hormone-dependent metastatic breast cancers , the most common type of breast tumor.

At the recent 61st Congress of the  American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)  in Chicago, Professor François-Clément Bidard from the  Institut Curie  showcased this promising technology, highlighting not only a new drug,  camizestrant (AstraZeneca) , but also a groundbreaking approach in oncology.

Typically, women suffering from  hormone-dependent  metastatic breast cancer are treated using a combination of therapies, including  hormonal therapies  that inhibit estrogen production and  cell proliferation inhibitors . However, nearly 40% of these patients experience mutations in the  ESR1 gene , which is crucial for estrogen receptor functioning. This mutation leads to  resistance  against hormonal therapies, ultimately resulting in cancer relapse.

The remarkable promise of the new blood-testing approach lies in its ability to  detect mutations  months before they lead to cancer progression. Early identification allows for timely  modifications  in hormonal therapy, potentially complemented by cell cycle inhibitors, all aimed at minimizing the risk of tumor  recurrence .

This concept was first supported by a French academic trial called  Pada-1 , directed by Professor Bidard, demonstrating its potential efficacy. It is now further substantiated by the results from the international Phase III clinical trial,  Serena-6 , evaluating camizestrant.

The study monitored almost 3,000 patients, conducting blood tests every 2 to 3 months. Out of these,  315 patients developed a mutation  without any current cancer progression. They were divided into two groups: a control group that continued the standard treatment and an experimental group that received camizestrant along with the cell cycle inhibitor. The results were astounding.

Patients on the new oral treatment witnessed a  56% reduction  in their risk of cancer progression, effectively delaying recurrence by about six months on average. After 12 months, the progression-free survival rate was  60.7%  for those on camizestrant compared to just  33.4%  for the control group. At the two-year mark, progression-free survival soared to  29.7%  versus  5.4% , marking this as a  revolutionary approach  in breast cancer treatment.

Professor Bidard emphasized that this method represents a primary milestone in the field of breast cancer treatment, potentially paving the way for broader applications in oncology beyond breast cancer.

For over a decade, research on  circulating tumor DNA  has flourished, fueled by advances in molecular biology, giving rise to thousands of scientific studies and increasingly high hopes for practical applications in oncology. The implications extend toward a vision for a more  personalized and preventive  approach to cancer treatment that is also less invasive for patients.

This recent breakthrough indicates that the  pharmaceutical industry  is beginning to realize the potential of liquid biopsy. This realization stands out as a notable step toward obtaining regulatory approvals for new therapeutic molecules based on liquid biopsy findings. As noted by Professor Bidard, this may open the door for other companies to explore this innovative approach to initiating cancer treatments.

With the growing incidence of hormone-dependent breast cancer globally, competition among pharmaceutical labs is intensifying as they seek to develop next-generation hormonal therapies that can yield substantial  profits . AstraZeneca is positioning camizestrant as a  first-line medication , striving to distinguish itself amidst competitors such as Roche, Pfizer, and Eli Lilly, who are also exploring various approaches within this therapeutic domain.