Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Blood Test Predicts Breast Cancer Treatment Response
Scientists have created a special blood test that can help doctors predict how well a breast cancer treatment will work for a patient.
This test looks for tiny pieces of cancer DNA in the blood.
The study found that if the test shows low levels of this DNA at the start of treatment or after four weeks, the treatment is more likely to work well.
This means doctors can switch to different treatments or join clinical trials if the current treatment isn't working.
The test could make treatment decisions faster and more personal, helping patients live longer with their cancer under control.
The research was done on advanced breast cancer, but it might also work for early-stage cancers.
Scientists developed a DNA blood test to predict breast cancer treatment response.
The test measures circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) levels in the blood.
Low ctDNA levels at the start of treatment or after four weeks indicate better treatment response.
The study found that patients with low ctDNA levels had longer progression-free survival and higher treatment response rates.
The test could help doctors make faster, more personalised treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes.
- Who
- Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research, London
- What
- Developed a DNA blood test to predict breast cancer treatment response
- When
- Study conducted and published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research
- Where
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London
- Why
- To improve treatment outcomes by predicting how well patients will respond to treatment
- Estimated Breast Cancer Cases (2022)
- 2.3 million
- Breast Cancer Deaths (2022)
- 6,70,000
- Study Participants
- 167 patients
- ctDNA Levels and Treatment Response
- Low ctDNA levels linked to better treatment response
- Progression-Free Survival (Group 2, Low ctDNA)
- 10.2 months
- Progression-Free Survival (Group 2, High ctDNA)
- 4.4 months
- Treatment Response (Group 2, Low ctDNA)
- 40%
- Treatment Response (Group 2, High ctDNA)
- 9.7%