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December 2, 2008 11:22:47 AM CST

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Study: Many Can Safely Skip Chemo for Breast Cancer

Posted Dec 14, 07 4:02 AM CST in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Thousands of breast cancer patients could be spared the misery and expense of chemotherapy, or at least get a milder regimen than what's usually prescribed, according to a new study. A new genetic test that predicts women's risk of recurrence shows that up to 40% of patients with early stage breast cancer could safely skip chemotherapy.

The findings should affect doctors' recommendations for chemotherapy, according to researchers who presented the study at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. But some say physicians are extremely reluctant to risk giving up any treatment that might help some. A separate study suggests that the drug Taxotere is at least as effective as the commonly prescribed Adriamycin, but has fewer serious side effects.

Source Associated Press

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  (Associated Press)
Harry Keller receives a chemotherapy treatment at the offices of Los Gatos oncologist Dr. Jim Cohen.   (KRT Photos)
Nurse Ellen Plotsky prepares a chemotherapy treatment for Boggy Creek camper Heather Russell, 13, inside the hospital at the camp in Eustis, Florida.   (KRT Photos)
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breast cancer • medical research • genetic testing • cancer treatment • chemotherapy


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