▲ Breast cancer is one of the leading cancer killers of women in Hong Kong. Genetic testing can help evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy and help patients formulate more appropriate treatment plans. (iStock image)
When talking about cancer treatment, most people immediately think of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, chemotherapy does not always have a noticeable effect on every patient. For example, some studies have found that, on average, less than 2 out of every 10 early-stage breast cancer patients benefit from it. Chemotherapy is expensive and has many side effects. How can you evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate for chemotherapy before starting treatment to avoid unnecessary burden on your body? Leave it to a specialist.
Only 2 out of 10 early-stage patients benefit from chemotherapy
The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation commissioned an organization to conduct a “Breast Cancer Awareness and Treatment Opinion Survey” in June this year, and a total of 530 people were interviewed through an online questionnaire. The results show that over 70% of adults believe that chemotherapy and radiotherapy are necessary once breast cancer is diagnosed. However, up to 9 out of 10 adults are concerned about the side effects of treatment, and more than 60% of respondents said that if there are alternative options, they would prefer to avoid chemotherapy. This demonstrates that the public has limited knowledge about breast cancer treatment options, and there is also a fear of the negative effects of chemotherapy.
According to data from the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Database, the overall cost of treatment for breast cancer patients ranges from NT$300,000 to over NT$1.3 million, a significant financial expense. The Breast Cancer Foundation cited research showing that many patients with early-stage breast cancer do not respond significantly to chemotherapy. On average, fewer than 2 out of every 10 patients can benefit from it.
Over-treatment may increase unnecessary burden on the body
Using chemotherapy may lead to over-treatment, placing a greater burden on the body and increasing treatment costs. Dr. Choi Lai-yin, Honorary Medical Consultant and Surgeon of the Breast Health Center of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, further cited clinical research and pointed out that most early-stage breast cancer patients with positive hormone receptors do not gain additional therapeutic benefits from chemotherapy. Personalized treatment plans are formulated based on individual circumstances to minimize side effects and impact on life.
She shared: “Doctors will predict the progression of the disease and decide on the next treatment plan based on tumor size, tumor grade, number of lymph nodes affected, hormone receptor response, tumor histology, etc. Additionally, they will also assess treatment risks and methods based on the patient’s age, physical condition, wishes, long-term recovery, and other aspects.”
▲ Many patients are afraid of the side effects of chemotherapy, such as hair loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. (iStock image)
Breast cancer tumor genetic testing is one of the methods used. The results will reflect the recurrence index results, cancer recurrence risk, and chemotherapy benefit rate, helping to formulate treatment plans.
Genetic testing helps analyze chemotherapy effectiveness
Cai Lixian explained that the recurrence index results shown by breast cancer tumor gene testing range from 0 to 100. If the value is between 0 and 25, it means that receiving hormone therapy and adding chemotherapy simultaneously will not offer any benefit from chemotherapy, and the patient can avoid unnecessary chemotherapy. On the contrary, if the value is between 26 and 100, it means that chemotherapy has a significant effect. Patients can use this data as a reference and discuss appropriate treatment options with their doctors.
“In the past, based on traditional clinical risk factor analysis, 73% of high-clinical-risk breast cancer patients had recurrence index results ranging from 0 to 25 (i.e., no benefit from chemotherapy). If “breast cancer tumor gene testing” is not performed, these patients have the potential to be over-treated.”
Conversely, if the patient is assessed as low clinical risk and does not receive chemotherapy, but the genetic test result shows a score between 26 and 100, these patients may not receive adequate treatment.
New “Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Care Plan”
To assist more breast cancer patients in evaluating the effectiveness of chemotherapy and formulating appropriate treatment plans, the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation launched the “Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Care Plan” to provide asset-test-free support to Hong Kong residents receiving treatment in public hospitals.
After patients pay to complete the test, if the results show that the recurrence index is between 26 and 100 points, they can apply for a full refund to reduce their financial burden associated with chemotherapy. Patients with the following three types of breast cancer can apply:
． Hormone receptor positive (HR+)
． Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-)
． Lymph node negative or lymph node positive (no more than 3 lymph nodes)
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Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Hong Kong: Evaluating Chemotherapy Effectiveness
Breast cancer is one of the leading cancer killers of women in Hong Kong. While chemotherapy is often considered a standard treatment option, it’s not always the most effective or necessary approach. Genetic testing can help evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy and formulate more appropriate treatment plans, ensuring patients receive the right care with minimal side effects.
Only 2 out of 10 Early-Stage Patients Benefit from Chemotherapy
A recent “Breast Cancer Awareness and Treatment Opinion Survey” conducted by the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation revealed that over 70% of adults believe chemotherapy and radiotherapy are necessary after a breast cancer diagnosis. However, a significant portion of the public is also concerned about the potential side effects of these treatments. This highlights a need for greater awareness about different treatment options and the importance of personalized care.
Data from the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Database indicates that the cost of breast cancer treatment can range from HK$300,000 to over HK$1.3 million, a substantial financial burden for many patients. The Breast Cancer Foundation cites research showing that many patients with early-stage breast cancer don’t experience significant benefits from chemotherapy. On average, less than 2 out of every 10 patients see positive outcomes from this treatment.
Over-Treatment: A Potential Issue
Adhering to a standardized chemotherapy approach can lead to over-treatment, placing unnecessary strain on the body and increasing treatment costs. Dr. Choi Lai-yin, Honorary Medical Consultant and Surgeon of the Breast Health Center of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment plans based on individual circumstances.
Factors considered for treatment planning include:
- Tumor size
- Tumor grade
- Number of lymph nodes affected
- Hormone receptor response
- Tumor histology
- Patient’s age
- Physical condition
- Treatment wishes
- Long-term recovery goals
Breast cancer tumor genetic testing is a powerful tool in this process, providing valuable insights into the likelihood of recurrence and chemotherapy effectiveness.
Genetic Testing: Tailoring Treatment for Optimal Outcomes
Cai Lixian, a specialist in the field, explains that breast cancer tumor gene testing provides a recurrence index score ranging from 0 to 100. This score helps predict the risk of recurrence and the potential benefits of chemotherapy.
Here’s how the recurrence index score is interpreted:
- 0-25: Receiving hormone therapy alone is sufficient. Adding chemotherapy offers no additional benefits.
- 26-100: Chemotherapy is likely to have a significant effect on the disease’s progression.
This information empowers patients and their doctors to make informed decisions about treatment, avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy and maximizing the chances of successful recovery.
For instance, traditional clinical risk factor analysis has shown that 73% of high-clinical-risk breast cancer patients have a recurrence index of 0-25, implying no benefit from chemotherapy. Without genetic testing, these patients might receive unnecessary treatment. Conversely, patients who appear low-risk clinically but score 26-100 on the genetic test could be missing out on potentially beneficial treatments.
The “Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Care Plan”
To make breast cancer genetic testing more accessible, the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation launched the “Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Care Plan.” This program provides asset-test-free support to Hong Kong residents receiving treatment in public hospitals.
The plan works as follows:
- Patients pay for the genetic test upfront.
- If the recurrence index score falls between 26 and 100, indicating significant chemotherapy benefit, patients can apply for a full refund.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with chemotherapy and ensure patients have access to personalized care based on their unique genetic makeup.
The “Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Care Plan” is available for patients with:
- Hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer
- Lymph node negative or lymph node positive (no more than 3 lymph nodes) breast cancer
This program signifies a positive step towards improving breast cancer care in Hong Kong, enabling personalized treatment strategies and encouraging informed decision-making.
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**Meta Description:** Discover the importance of breast cancer genetic testing in Hong Kong for evaluating chemotherapy effectiveness and personalizing treatment plans. This article explores the benefits, accessibility, and the role of the “Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Care Plan” in improving patient outcomes.