The Power of Personalized Breast Cancer Care

It’s a sobering statistic: 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.¹

Breast cancer remains both the most common cancer in women and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.^1,2

But amid these alarming statistics, there’s also reason for hope: Breast cancer care is undergoing a significant transformation.

Last year, AstraZeneca received FDA approval for a breast cancer therapy, offering a critical new option for eligible patients.

“By leveraging our growing understanding of breast cancer biology, we aim to transform the lives of those living with this disease,” said Mohit Manrao, SVP, head of U.S. oncology at AstraZeneca. “Genetic testing and targeted therapies are key components of this journey, offering hope and new possibilities for those affected by breast cancer.”

“Outsmarting” breast cancer

Targeted therapy focuses on specific areas or substances in cancer cells that help them to survive and grow.^3,4 The problem is that cancer cells are constantly evolving; patients who initially respond to targeted therapies may eventually develop resistance, causing the treatment to stop working.⁵

Fortunately, as understanding of cancer biology deepens, new treatments are targeting specific genetic mutations that may offer more time and increased quality of life for patients.⁶

A new treatment roadmap: genetic testing and biomarker testing

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes play a role in protecting the body against certain types of cancers.⁷ While everyone has these genes, some people are born with alterations to these genes or they develop them later in life. People with BRCA alterations are more likely to develop certain cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.⁷

Genetic testing looks for inherited gene alterations passed down through families, helping people to understand their risk of these cancers. Genetic testing can take place whether or not someone is diagnosed with cancer.⁷

On the other hand, biomarker testing takes place after cancer diagnosis and examines specific genes, proteins, and other substances to provide key information about a patient’s cancer.⁸

Results from genetic and biomarker testing can offer healthcare providers insight into which therapies will be most appropriate for a patient’s condition.⁸ By helping to tailor treatment to the specific makeup of a tumor, this information helps ensure that patients receive therapies targeted to their specific type of cancer.⁸

New guidelines for genetic testing

The benefits of genetic testing are so compelling that it’s becoming the standard of care for certain types of cancers. In fact, The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and The Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) now recommend that everyone under 65 diagnosed with breast cancer should be offered BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing.⁹ This shift highlights the critical importance of understanding your genetic makeup to inform treatment decisions.

The power of becoming BRCAware

“Beyond offering more personalized treatment plans, genetic testing can also reveal inherited mutations that increase the risk of cancer, allowing for early intervention,” said Aliya Omer, vice president, U.S. franchise head, breast cancer at AstraZeneca.⁸ “We encourage anyone interested in learning more to visit bebrcaware.com. It offers lots of useful information on breast cancer, as well as resources, support, education, and information on genetic counseling.

“Breast cancer can be scary, but there is power in understanding your risk and knowing your options.”

Moving closer to a cure

With over 8,000 dedicated employees working together with community and industry partners, AstraZeneca is bringing transformative medicines to breast cancer patients. “Our mission is to offer a potential cure for an increasing proportion of the millions of people worldwide living with cancer,” Manrao said. “With every advancement, we move closer to our goal of transforming cancer treatment and improving patients’ lives.”

To access breast cancer resources and support, visit bebrcaware.com

References

1. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Breast Cancer. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html.

2. Bray F, Laversanne M, Sung H, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024; 74(3): 229-263. doi:10.3322/caac.21834.

3. American Cancer Society. Targeted Therapy. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/targeted-therapy.html.

4. American Cancer Society. How Targeted Therapies Are Used to Treat Cancer. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/targeted-therapy/what-is.html.

5. National Cancer Institute. Why Do Cancer Treatments Stop Working? Overcoming Treatment Resistance. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/drug-combo-resistance.

6. Jallah JK, Dweh TJ, Anjankar A, Palma O. A Review of the Advancements in Targeted Therapies for Breast Cancer. Cureus. 2023;15(10):e47847. doi:10.7759/cureus.47847.

7. National Cancer Institute. BRCA Gene Changes: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet.

8. National Cancer Institute. Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment. Accessed November 8, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/biomarker-testing-cancer-treatment.

9. Bedrosian I, Somerfield MR, Achatz MI, et al. Germline Testing in Patients With Breast Cancer: ASCO–Society of Surgical Oncology Guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(5):584-604. doi:10.1200/JCO.23.02225.