Safely Skipping Chemo is an Option for Many Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer treatment is changing . . . and in a big way! A landmark study suggests that women with a common form of early-stage breast cancer can safely avoid chemotherapy without increasing the risk of recurrence.

The TAILORx study found that genetic testing on tumors could identify women who can safely skip chemotherapy. Rather than enduring the harsh side effects of chemo, such patients can take a drug (like tamoxifen) that safely blocks the hormone estrogen or stops the body from making it.

The results of this study could enable up to 70,000 US patients annually to avoid chemotherapy.