Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well patients with breast cancer will respond to specific treatments. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA in the blood and can indicate treatment effectiveness before therapy begins or after just four weeks.
Researchers studied 167 patients with advanced breast cancer and found that low or undetectable DNA levels were strongly linked to better treatment responses and longer periods without disease progression. Patients with higher DNA levels were less likely to benefit from the same therapies.
The findings suggest doctors could avoid ineffective treatments, switch strategies earlier and personalise care. Researchers say the test could improve outcomes and may also prove useful for patients with early-stage breast cancer.
