Genetic test could spare thousands of women from chemotherapy

A new genetic test could spare thousands of women with breast cancer from chemotherapy.

The Oncotype DX test involves the examination of genes taken from a sample of a tumour removed during surgery.

It can help doctors decide whether chemotherapy would actually benefit patients and the risk of cancer returning.

The test has been approved for use by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in England (NICE) and is now being considered for use in Scotland.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “Although NICE diagnostic advice does not apply in Scotland, it is a matter for individual clinicians to exercise clinical judgment, and clinicians can offer this test if they deem it to be the most appropriate treatment.

“We have asked them to consider this advice and make recommendations on the most appropriate way forward for Scotland.”

The genetic test could benefit those with early-stage breast cancer facing the intensive treatment, whose side effects include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, hair loss and fatigue.

Studies have suggested that half of women with the most common form of early breast cancer could be spared chemotherapy if they have the test.