MARLBOROUGH, Mass. - A recent study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has indicated that the Breast Cancer Index (BCI), a genomic test, has significantly influenced the decisions of physicians regarding long-term anti-estrogen therapy for patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The study, involving over 1,000 patients, revealed that 40% of treatment recommendations were altered after BCI testing, with a notable reduction in overtreatment and an increase in necessary extended treatment.
The BCI test is recognized by various national oncology guidelines as a predictive tool for the benefits of continuing anti-estrogen therapy beyond five years. It has been instrumental in helping physicians make more informed decisions by identifying patients who could either discontinue therapy to avoid side effects or continue to prevent a recurrence of cancer.
According to the study, 63% of the changes advised by physicians were from recommending to not recommending extended anti-estrogen therapy. This suggests that BCI plays a crucial role in preventing unnecessary treatment for women who are unlikely to benefit from it. Conversely, the remaining 37% of recommendations changed from not endorsing to endorsing extended therapy, highlighting BCI's ability to identify patients who could benefit from prolonged treatment.
Dr. Tara Sanft of Yale School of Medicine, the study's primary author, emphasized the test's importance in clinical practice, stating that BCI provides more confidence in treatment decisions. Furthermore, the study reported that BCI led to increased confidence among 39% of providers in their treatment recommendations and comfort among 41% of patients regarding their treatment decisions.
Hologic (NASDAQ:HOLX), Inc., the parent company of Biotheranostics, Inc., which offers the BCI test, has been developing diagnostic solutions for over 35 years. Jennifer Schneiders, Ph.D., President of Diagnostic Solutions at Hologic, highlighted the test's potential to refine the treatment process for women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
The BCI test is a laboratory-developed test performed in a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory, intended for routine clinical use. The study's findings, based on a press release statement, underscore the test's impact on personalizing treatment decisions and potentially improving clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients.
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