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More personalized treatment in the future?

Page last modified on: August 1, 2008

Question from D8: You have referred to the importance of understanding the biochemistry of the cancer cells. Besides ER, PR, and HER2 markers, what other tests will become available? What's the future of personalized treatment? And how important is it to re-test new metastases?: Answer —Larry Norton, M.D.: Personalized treatment is with us now. You already mentioned some of the factors we analyze. But even now there are tests that measure more factors than just ER, PR, and HER2. One of these is Oncotype DX, which measures 16 genes and has been shown to be very useful in predicting whether an individual tumor will do well with hormone therapy or chemotherapy. There's another test that measures 70 genes called MammoPrint which also provides useful information. This is a rapidly evolving area. No two cancers are exactly alike. We are indeed learning which treatments will work best with which cancers.

On Wednesday, October 17, 2007 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Larry Norton, M.D. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about managing day-to-day life with metastatic breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Larry Norton, M.D. is deputy physician-in-chief and director of Breast Cancer Programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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