ECOG-ACRIN discovers a simple blood test may predict recurrence of breast cancer

(ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group) Late recurrence five+ years after surgery accounts for at least half of all breast cancer recurrences. There are no tests that identify who is at highest risk. ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group researchers studied a blood test for circulating tumor cells, finding that in women cancer-free five after diagnosis, 5% had a positive test, which was associated with a 35% recurrence risk after two years, compared with only 2% with a negative test. Findings require follow-up.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news