Breast cancer breakthrough as new test could revolutionise treatment – The Independent

Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Report on a Novel Predictive Test for Breast Cancer Recurrence

A new diagnostic test has been developed to predict the likelihood of recurrence in breast cancer patients. This innovation, emerging from The Institute for Cancer Research, London, represents a significant step towards personalized medicine and aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

The test is designed for patients with oestrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (ER+/HER2+) breast cancer, a subtype accounting for approximately 200,000 cases globally each year. It functions by analyzing changes in tumour characteristics just two weeks after the initiation of hormone therapy.

Key Findings and Clinical Implications

Research published in the journal eBioMedicine, based on the analysis of tumour samples from 213 patients, yielded several critical findings:

• Early Prediction: The test can forecast the probability of cancer relapse within two weeks of starting treatment, allowing for rapid adjustments to therapeutic strategies.
• Subtype Dynamics: A short course of hormone therapy was found to alter the molecular subtype of some tumours. Tumours that did not change subtype, specifically those identified as Luminal B, were associated with the highest risk of recurrence.
• High-Risk Identification: The methodology correctly identifies the 6% of patients at the highest risk of relapse, enabling clinicians to escalate care for this cohort.
• Treatment De-escalation: Conversely, the test identifies patients with a low risk of recurrence, who may be spared unnecessary or overly aggressive treatments, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

This medical advancement makes a direct and substantial contribution to achieving SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

1. Target 3.4 (Reduce NCD Mortality): By refining treatment for breast cancer, a leading non-communicable disease (NCD), the test helps reduce premature mortality. It ensures that patients receive the most effective therapy for their specific cancer subtype, improving survival rates.
2. Target 3.8 (Universal Health Coverage): The test promotes more efficient use of healthcare resources. By avoiding ineffective or unnecessary treatments, it reduces costs for both patients and health systems, a core principle of achieving sustainable universal health coverage.
3. Personalized Care: The ability to tailor treatment moves healthcare away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring that therapeutic interventions are both precise and patient-centred.

Broader Impact on Global Sustainability Goals

Beyond its primary health benefits, the development and application of this test support other interconnected SDGs.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The test is a product of advanced scientific research and innovation. It exemplifies Target 9.5, which calls for enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities to foster innovations that address global challenges like disease.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

As breast cancer disproportionately affects women, advancements that improve treatment outcomes, reduce suffering, and enhance quality of life contribute directly to the health and well-being of women, a critical component of gender equality.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Genomic testing and personalized medicine can help reduce health outcome inequalities by ensuring treatment is based on the specific biological characteristics of a patient’s disease rather than broader, less precise classifications.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The study was part-funded by organizations such as Breast Cancer Now, highlighting the importance of partnerships between research institutions, academia, and non-profit entities to accelerate progress towards shared health and sustainability goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This is the primary SDG addressed in the article. The entire text focuses on a medical advancement—a new test for breast cancer—that aims to improve patient outcomes. By predicting the likelihood of cancer recurrence, the test helps in providing more effective and personalized treatment, directly contributing to the health and well-being of individuals suffering from a non-communicable disease.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This goal is relevant through its focus on scientific research and innovation. The article details the development of a new test by “scientists at The Institute for Cancer Research, London.” This represents a significant advancement in scientific research and technological capability within the healthcare sector, which is a key component of SDG 9.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases

   The article directly relates to this target, which aims to “reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.” Breast cancer is a non-communicable disease. The new test contributes to this target by improving treatment. It allows doctors to “de-escalate” treatment for some patients, sparing them unnecessary side effects, while also helping to “identify those who need ‘more intensive therapeutic strategies’” to prevent relapse and potential mortality.

2. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities

   This target calls for enhancing scientific research and encouraging innovation. The article is a clear example of this in action. The development of the new test by “scientists at The Institute for Cancer Research” and the statement that “genomic testing can play a powerful role in helping to predict the risk” showcases an enhancement of scientific research and the application of advanced technology to solve a health problem.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicators for Target 3.4

  While the article does not mention the official indicator (mortality rate), it implies several process and outcome indicators that measure progress towards better treatment for non-communicable diseases:

  • Development of advanced diagnostic tools: The creation of the new test itself is an indicator of progress in cancer treatment.
  • Accuracy of predictive testing: The article states the test “correctly identifies the 6% of patients at highest risk of relapse,” which is a specific, measurable indicator of its effectiveness.
  • Adoption of personalized medicine: The shift towards tailored treatment, as mentioned by Dr. Maggie Cheang (“our findings move us closer to more precise, patient-centred care”), serves as an indicator of improved quality of care.

• Implied Indicators for Target 9.5

  The article implies indicators related to research and development activity:

  • Investment in R&D: The mention that Breast Cancer Now “part-funded the study” points to private/non-profit investment in health research as an indicator.
  • Output of scientific research: The publication of the findings in the “journal eBioMedicine” and the development of the test itself are tangible outputs of research efforts.
  • Collaboration in research: The partnership between a research institute and a funding body like Breast Cancer Now indicates a collaborative research ecosystem.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	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.	Development and application of new predictive tests for cancer relapse. Percentage of high-risk patients correctly identified by new diagnostic tools (e.g., the 6% mentioned). Adoption of personalized and patient-centered treatment plans based on genomic testing.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…including…encouraging innovation.	Number of new medical technologies/tests developed through scientific research. Public and private investment in cancer research (e.g., funding from Breast Cancer Now). Publication of research findings in scientific journals (e.g., eBioMedicine).

Source: independent.co.uk