Some breast cancer patients receive unnecessary chemotherapy: research investigates what goes wrong
Recent research shows that many women with early-stage breast cancer in the Netherlands may be undergoing unnecessary chemotherapy because they are not being offered a standard gene profile test. Health experts are now investigating why only one-third of eligible patients receive this screening, which could spare many from the burdens of unneeded treatment.
Research by the Integraal Kankercentrum Nederland has revealed that many women with early-stage breast cancer may be receiving unnecessary chemotherapy. While a gene profile test is available to determine if such treatment is actually required, data shows that only one in three eligible patients is offered this screening. The test is specifically designed for women over the age of 50 with early-stage breast cancer and can help avoid the physical burdens and side effects of aggressive chemotherapy treatments when they are not medically indicated.
An estimated 2,300 women qualify for these tests annually, yet the majority are not being informed about the option despite the non-invasive nature of the procedure. An Reyners, chair of the oncology professional association NVMO, expressed surprise at the findings and is currently working with cancer centers to address the issue. The University of Twente has also launched a study to understand why the adoption rate of these tests remains low, as ensuring patients are properly informed is a primary goal to improve care outcomes.
Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
