Research Shows Some Ductal Carcinoma Patients May Not Need Radiotherapy

A study presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2023 reveals that many patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may not require radiotherapy as part of their treatment. Researchers conducted a study using a 12-gene assay called the DCIS score (DS) to assess patients’ risk levels. The study findings suggest that patients with low-risk DS profiles can safely forgo radiotherapy, reducing treatment burden and potential side effects. The research provides a promising approach for individualizing treatment plans and sparing patients unnecessary radiation therapy. This study could have significant implications for the management of DCIS, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients. Further research and validation studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish guidelines for clinical practice based on the DS score.