Millions of people with breast cancer could safely avoid chemotherapy as scientists have developed a DNA test that can distinguish between patients who are likely to benefit from the treatment and those who are not, according to trial results.
The international study found that more than two-thirds of its participants could be spared the side of effects of chemotherapy and treated with hormone therapy alone.
Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, nausea, hair loss, a weakened immune system and fertility issues.
The study, led by University College London (UCL), involved more than 4,000 newly diagnosed patients over the age of 40 in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.
The primary treatment for breast cancer is usually surgery to remove tumours. Chemotherapy is often recommended afterwards to diminish the risk of return.
It is also regularly offered to people with early-stage breast cancer that has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
Clinicians are concerned the treatment provides little benefit to those with the most common type of breast cancer, UCL said.
The university said more than 5,000 NHS patients a year could avoid chemotherapy as a result of the trial.
Source: BBC News, 30 May 2026
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