By Robert Bazell, Chief Science and Health Correspondent
A new study finds that a genetic test can help tailor care specifically to each breast cancer patient.
After a? mammogram, Dorothy Warren learned she had something called DCIS -- almost breast cancer, but not quite the same.
"You're gonna tell me I have cancer and I have stage zero, and it's not real invasive cancer?? I was not only fearful, but confused," Warren said.
Dr. Pamela Otto, a breast radiologist at the University of Texas, San Antonio, says DCIS consists of cancer cells that are inside the milk ducts.
Doctors?cannot be sure if it will spread -- or if the patient needs to be treated with radiation or mastectomy.
Today's study, presented at a major breast cancer conference in San Antonio, finds that a genetic test called Oncotype Dx? can help with decisions about how to treat these cases. It gives a score, indicating how high the risk is.
Dr. Kathy Miller, a cancer expert at Indiana University School of Medicine, calls this "huge news" for women: ?It allows us to make individualized treatment decisions.?
These results are part of a big movement to try to use genetic markers to tailor the care to each patient.
Experts say only about one-quarter of DCIS patients need radiation.
"Now we can look and say what is your specific risk?? Are you in the three-fourths who have a very low risk,? said Dr. William Wood, a cancer surgeon at Emory University School of Medicine.
This finding could give useful guidance?for tens of thousands?of women every year.
Source: http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/06/9258413-genetic-test-can-help-tailor-breast-cancer-care
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