Report on a Novel Assay for Breast Cancer and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction: Advancing Personalized Medicine in Alignment with SDG 3
A study published in Precision Oncology details the development of a dependable diagnostic assay by Yale pathology researchers. This test, named Troplex™, is designed to precisely quantify key protein levels in breast cancer cells. The primary objective is to provide oncologists with critical data to select the most effective targeted therapies, thereby directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving treatment outcomes for non-communicable diseases.
Technological Innovation and its Role in SDG 9
The Troplex™ assay represents a significant advancement in medical diagnostics, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By enhancing scientific research and technological capabilities, this innovation provides a solution to a critical challenge in oncology.
Assay Methodology
- The assay utilizes multiplex fluorescence and standardization on a single slide.
- It is designed to provide a quantitative measurement of the number of drug target molecules.
- The primary biomarkers measured are HER2 and TROP2, which are targets for newly approved antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Key Findings and Clinical Implications for Global Health
The research addresses the clinical challenge of choosing between targeted therapies with similar indications. By providing precise data, the Troplex™ assay supports evidence-based decision-making, a cornerstone of advancing SDG 3.
Targeted Biomarkers and Therapies
- HER2 Protein: Found in elevated amounts in 15-20% of breast cancers. Patients with high HER2 levels may benefit from the HER2-targeting drug trastuzumab deruxtecan.
- TROP2 Protein: Often overexpressed in aggressive cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer. The FDA-approved drug sacituzumab govitecan targets TROP2.
Study Application
The assay was successfully applied to hundreds of breast cancer cases, generating percentile scores that indicate a tumor’s protein expression. This demonstrates the potential for the assay to guide therapy selection, ensuring patients receive the treatment most biologically suited to their specific cancer, which is fundamental to achieving the health targets of the SDGs.
Future Outlook and Continued Contribution to SDGs
While the study acknowledges that a direct correlation between the exact protein quantities and a patient’s specific response to treatment requires further trials, the outlook is promising. Preliminary data suggests that target protein levels will be tightly correlated to ADC response. Ongoing research in this area continues to support the ambitions of both SDG 3, by seeking to reduce premature mortality from cancer, and SDG 9, by fostering continued scientific innovation in healthcare.
SDGs Addressed in the Article
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- The article focuses on a significant health issue: breast cancer. It discusses the development of a new diagnostic test, Troplex™, designed to improve treatment outcomes for patients. This directly relates to promoting health and well-being by advancing medical technology and enabling more effective, personalized cancer therapies.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- The core of the article is the creation of an innovative medical technology. The development of the Troplex™ assay by Yale pathology researchers represents a significant advancement in scientific research and technological capability within the healthcare industry. The article highlights the “novelty of this assay” as a solution to a problem in advanced cancer treatment, which is a key aspect of this goal.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- The article explicitly mentions that the research was a collaborative effort. It states that the work was “supported by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, National Institutes of Health (awards P30CA016359 and F30CA287869), and Yale University.” This multi-stakeholder partnership between academia, government institutions, and non-profit foundations is essential for achieving progress in complex areas like medical research.
Specific Targets Identified
Targets for SDG 3
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- The article addresses this target by focusing on improving the treatment of breast cancer, a major non-communicable disease. The Troplex™ assay helps oncologists select the “most beneficial treatment,” and the article notes that one of the targeted drugs has shown “improved survival rates,” directly contributing to reducing premature mortality.
- Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
- The development of the Troplex™ assay is a direct result of dedicated medical research. The article describes how Yale researchers “created a dependable test” to guide therapies for breast cancer, which is a clear example of supporting the R&D of new medical technologies for non-communicable diseases.
Targets for SDG 9
- Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers and public and private research and development spending.
- The article is a case study for this target. It details how “Yale pathology researchers created a dependable test,” highlighting the role of scientific research and innovation. The mention of a team of “nine researchers from the Department of Pathology” and funding from the NIH and other bodies points to investment in R&D personnel and spending to enhance technological capabilities in the medical field.
Targets for SDG 17
- Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
- The research described was made possible through a partnership involving Yale University (academia), the National Institutes of Health (public/government), and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (civil society/non-profit). The article explicitly lists these supporters, showcasing a successful multi-stakeholder partnership to advance sustainable development in health.
Indicators for Measuring Progress
Indicators for SDG 3 Targets
- For Target 3.4: The article implies Indicator 3.4.1 (Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease). The mention of “improved survival rates” for patients receiving a specific HER2-targeting drug is a direct measure of progress in reducing mortality from cancer.
- For Target 3.b: The development of the “dependable test” named Troplex™ is a tangible output of research and development efforts. The article also mentions specific NIH funding awards (“P30CA016359 and F30CA287869”), which can be seen as a proxy for Indicator 3.b.2 (Total net official development assistance to medical research and basic health sectors).
Indicators for SDG 9 Target
- For Target 9.5: The article provides qualitative evidence for indicators like 9.5.1 (Research and development expenditure) by mentioning funding from the NIH and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It also points to Indicator 9.5.2 (Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants) by identifying the research team, including a “senior author” and “nine researchers from the Department of Pathology.” The creation of the Troplex™ assay itself is an indicator of innovation.
Indicators for SDG 17 Target
- For Target 17.17: The article provides a concrete example that can be used for Indicator 17.17.1 (Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships). The specific mention of the partnership between “the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, National Institutes of Health… and Yale University” and the associated NIH grant awards serves as a direct indicator of a functioning and funded multi-stakeholder partnership.
Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators Identified in the Article |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. | Mention of “improved survival rates” for breast cancer patients, which relates to reducing the cancer mortality rate (Indicator 3.4.1). |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.b: Support the research and development of medicines. | The creation of the Troplex™ assay and the mention of specific NIH research grants (P30CA016359, F30CA287869). |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.5: Enhance scientific research and encourage innovation. | The development of the “novel” Troplex™ assay; the mention of a dedicated research team (“nine researchers”); and funding from research-focused organizations. |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17: Encourage and promote effective partnerships. | The explicitly stated partnership between Yale University, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. |
Source: medicine.yale.edu
