Breast Cancer Now has commented on findings from the Lumina trial presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
The findings show that some patients with a type of low-grade breast cancer may be successfully treated with surgery and hormone - endocrine - therapy, meaning they could avoid undergoing radiotherapy.
Dr Kotryna Temcinaite, Senior Research Communications Manager at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“With around 55,000 women and 370 men receiving a breast cancer diagnosis each year in the UK, we need to make sure everyone receives the treatment most suitable for them. That includes people who are more likely to see the disease return requiring more intensive treatment, to those who could safely skip certain treatments and their associated side effects.
“These exciting findings suggest that with the help of an additional test, patients with a type of low-grade breast cancer may be successfully treated with surgery and hormone - endocrine - therapy, meaning they could avoid undergoing radiotherapy and enduring its gruelling side effects.
"By expanding our understanding of when certain treatments may not be necessary, research like this could transform how breast cancer is treated in the future.
“We encourage women to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare team.
"Anyone affected by breast cancer can also speak to Breast Cancer Now’s expert nurses by calling our free Helpline on 0808 800 6000 for information and support.”