Prognostic Test for Breast Cancer Could Improve Treatment

Researchers in Nottingham aiming to improve treatment for patients with breast cancer have developed a new clinical test which will provide clinicians with more detailed information on the type of cancer and its likely behaviour.

The Nottingham Prognostic Index Plus (NPI+) could be available to patients within two years.

Funded by the Medical research Council, lead researcher was Professor Ian Ellis from the University of Nottingham’s Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, who worked with colleagues from the University Hospital’s NHS Trust and Nottingham Trent University’s John van Geest Cancer Research Centre.

The current Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), developed over 30 years ago and is a world-recognised tool used by clinicians treating patients with breast cancer to decide on the risk of the disease returning.. The new NPI+ test has been developed from the existing NPI by incorporating the measurement of 10 proteins (biomarkers) found in breast cancer cells. These biomarkers include ER and HER2, the two biomarkers currently tested for in clinics, but also others that are not currently tested.

Professor Ellis said “Using a panel of 10 biomarkers and other clinical information, we are able to categorise women with breast cancer into one of seven treatment-specific classes based on their personal cancer biology. We believe the categorisation of women with breast cancer into more specific risk classes will deliver better targeting of relevant therapies, which will result in improved outcomes with reduced costs and less anxiety for the patient."