Clue for Personalizing Breast Cancer Treatment



  • Studies 1,200 women with the precancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ(D.C.I.C.S) to determine which need more or less aggressive treatments.
  • There are 3 bio markers that predict risks of cancer. If all 3 are present then the patient has a 20% risk of having cancer over a 8 year span. If none are present, only a 4% chance of catching cancer. These 3 markers are called p16, COX-2 and Ki67.
  • Despite making a step into having a personalized treatment for cancer, several experts say that the results would not affect practices. However, it can help people determine which treatment course to undertake and make sure they do not over or under treat their cancer.
  • This particular article relates to our Cancer lesson in class, correlating with the various forms of cancer. With every patient, there maybe a different cancer. Being able to determine the severity of the potential cancer can help to insure proper treatment is taken, not to much or to little.
I find that a discovery like this is very important for treatments in cancer. Although in the article it may go against my ideas slightly, I say that each cancer is unique in it's own way and may or may not react the same to certain treatments. Having a personalized treatment plan can give doctors more information that can help them determine what treatment is the best for their patient.
Parker-pope, Tara. "Clues for Personalizing Breast Cancer Treatment - Well Blog - NYTimes.com." Health and Wellness - Well Blog - NYTimes.com. 28 Apr. 2010. Web. 20 May 2010. .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcFje6ZUSXs&feature=player_embedded