How This 62-Year-Old Breast Cancer Survivor Skipped Chemotherapy with a Revolutionary Test, Saving Millions for HSE!
A 62-year-old Breast Cancer patient, identified as Geraldine, who opted for a novel test allowing her to safely forgo chemotherapy, is praising the new technology for providing her with both time and an improved quality of life. Geraldine, residing in the southeast of Ireland, is among 480 women in the country who, following genetic testing, discovered they could pursue alternative treatments without the need for chemotherapy. An assessment of the test’s impact over a decade indicates potential savings of €3 million for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Preferring not to disclose her surname, Geraldine, now back at work as a nurse, expressed her well-being, stating, “feeling grand.” Her journey began with a mammogram in March 2022, leading her to St Vincent’s hospitals. Despite a small tumor, the rapid pace of consultations hinted at surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone-based therapy as potential options.
Breast Cancer
Geraldine’s uncertainty about undergoing chemotherapy was resolved through the results of an Oncotype DX® test conducted during surgery in late April. This genetic test, analyzing the likelihood of cancer recurrence, guided her treatment decisions. A low score meant a reduced risk of recurrence without chemotherapy, a revelation that brought her immense joy.
Upon learning that chemotherapy was not recommended, Geraldine joyfully celebrated, remarking, “I have to say I did skip down the stairs and have a big mug of coffee and a big slice of coffee cake.” She acknowledged the unpleasant nature of chemotherapy, emphasizing its disruptive impact on one’s life and the associated side effects. Grateful for the seamless care she received, incorporating surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone treatment, Geraldine emphasized the fortunate outcome of her medical journey.
Oncotype DX® tests, approved for HSE funding in 2011 and 2020 for node-negative and node-positive (N1) breast cancer patients, respectively, have proven instrumental in reducing chemotherapy administration. Professor Janice Walshe, an oncologist, presented compelling data at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, indicating a 58% reduction in chemotherapy instances and significant cost savings.
While acknowledging the success of the tests, Prof. Walshe emphasized the need for further study, particularly in understanding the benefits for pre-menopausal women. This latest advancement in breast cancer treatment holds promise for personalized and more targeted approaches, sparing patients from unnecessary and potentially harsh interventions.
