Prosigna Validated in Optima Trial, Sparing Millions
SkimNews Take
The genomic test's ability to identify low-risk patients shifts treatment from a broad, reactive approach to a precise, predictive strategy, potentially redefining standard care by prioritizing quality of life alongside efficacy.
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- University College London led the Optima trial, which followed 4,429 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients aged 40+ across six countries and found low genomic scores could be treated safely with hormone therapy alone.
- Prosigna test by Veracyte analyses 50 genes in tumour tissue to assign a ten‑year recurrence risk score, guiding whether chemotherapy is needed.
- Prof Rob Stein (UCL) said the trial shows many patients can safely skip chemotherapy without compromising outcomes, marking a step toward personalized treatment and more efficient health‑system resource use.
- Veracyte’s test could spare millions of women worldwide from chemotherapy’s toxic side‑effects, reducing drug costs and improving long‑term quality of life.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology will present the trial’s findings at its annual meeting in Chicago, highlighting the international relevance of the genomic test.
Why it matters: Women with early‑stage breast cancer gain safe chemotherapy avoidance, while health systems save on drug costs and side‑effect management; the test spares millions of chemotherapy courses and improves patients’ long‑term health.
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