Surviving Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer: Advances in Personalized Medicine and DNA Testing

The survival rate for individuals with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer after three years is generally around 30%. However, this statistic can vary widely based on several factors, including the individual's overall health, the specific characteristics of the cancer, and the treatments used.

Recent advancements in DNA testing and personalized medicine have significantly impacted the management and outcomes of metastatic breast cancer. DNA testing allows for the identification of specific genetic mutations and biomarkers that drive cancer growth. This information can be used to tailor treatments to the individual's unique cancer profile, potentially improving outcomes.

Specific Targeted Therapies

For example, the presence of HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression in breast cancer, can be targeted with specific therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab. These therapies have improved survival rates for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Similarly, hormone receptor-positive cancers can be treated with hormone therapies that target estrogen or progesterone receptors.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables a more comprehensive analysis of the tumor's genetic landscape. This approach leads to the identification of actionable mutations that can be targeted with precision therapies. For example, PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutated cancers and CDK4/6 inhibitors for certain types of hormone receptor-positive cancers are examples of personalized approaches that have shown promising results.

Personalized Medicine in Action

Overall, while the prognosis for Stage IV breast cancer remains serious, personalized medicine based on DNA testing offers a path to more effective and individualized treatment strategies. This can potentially improve survival and quality of life for patients.

With more than 10 years on the market, NM Genomix provides access to the Bulgarian people with the latest molecular genetic research in the field of prenatal and postnatal diagnosis, psychiatry, oncology, and prevention through personal DNA analysis, etc. We believe that information and transparency are the keys to spreading awareness, opening eyes to the benefits of genetic testing, and improving the nation's overall health action.