Is breast 21 gene testing necessary?

Regulation of tumor genetics is carried out based on gene expression (transcription and translation). Gene expression includes positive and negative regulation of genetic genes, which determines the expression amount of related proteins. The 21-gene test for breast cancer detects the expression of a group of specific genes in malignant tumor tissues, providing information for predicting prognosis, recurrence, tumor metastasis and even guiding treatment. The ultimate goal is to provide assistance for the personalized treatment of patients.

Multi-parameter gene expression experiments simultaneously test the expression profiles of multiple tumor genes. The results are presented in the form of scores, which are used to predict the possible molecular biological behavior of the tumor.

The "21-gene test for breast cancer" refers to the test of the expression levels of 21 different genes in breast cancer tumor tissues, including 16 breast cancer-related genes and 5 reference genes (as shown in Figure 1). This test can provide a personalized prediction of treatment effects and a prediction of 10-year recurrence risk.

By testing 21 genes and observing the interactions between them to identify tumor characteristics, the breast cancer incidence index and the cost-effectiveness of radiotherapy can be predicted.

The genetic genes of the 21-gene breast cancer test are divided into 6 groups: reproduction group, erosion group, HER-2 group, estrogen group, other genes, and reference genes.

What benefits can 21-gene testing for breast cancer bring?

1. Presenting customized genetic test results

Every cancer patient is unique and has their own characteristics. No two are exactly the same. Therefore, the incidence rate and treatment methods of each breast cancer patient are also different. "Breast Cancer 21 Gene Test" belongs to genomics.

By testing 21 genes in breast tumors and observing the interactions between them, the characteristics of the tumor can be identified, and then the specific breast tumor incidence index and the cost-effectiveness of radiotherapy can be predicted.

2. Assist in formulating treatment plans for breast cancer

The 21-gene test for breast cancer provides more accurate data to allow doctors and patients to better understand the status of the tumor, which helps doctors make more accurate treatment decisions.

The incidence index (RS) in the test report is a number close to 0 to 100. The lower the patient's incidence index, the lower the probability of breast cancer. It also indicates that the patient is less likely to benefit from radiotherapy. Therefore, doctors may recommend that these patients only use hormone therapy.

However, a low attack index value does not mean that breast cancer is less likely to occur; the higher the patient's attack index value, the higher the probability of breast cancer occurring. Although this is disappointing, the upside is that these patients also have a higher chance of benefiting from radiation therapy, so adding radiation therapy in addition to hormone therapy will help these patients reduce their risk of breast cancer. Similarly, a high incidence index value does not necessarily mean that breast cancer will occur.

The test report will also include ER, PR, and Her2 group index values, allowing doctors to better understand the patient's tumor characteristics.

3. Improve cancer case management methods

Regardless of whether it is a low or high attack index value, the results of the "Breast Cancer 21 Gene Test" can further help formulate a personalized cancer rehabilitation treatment management plan.

If a patient's test result is a high relapse index, it means that the patient's chance of relapse and metastasis is higher than that of a patient with a low or medium relapse index. Therefore, after surgery, he or she not only needs to receive radiotherapy and hormone therapy, but also needs to improve the level of cancer treatment management (such as regular relevant examinations, receiving dietary advice from professional nutritionists, etc.).

Avoid situations such as undertreatment or overtreatment.

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment method, but not all patients can use radiotherapy. Sometimes unnecessary radiotherapy may even aggravate the patient's condition.