Navigating precision: the crucial role of next-generation sequencing recurrence risk assessment in tailoring adjuvant therapy for hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor Receptor2-negative early breast cancer

Abstract

Hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) breast cancer is the most common subtype, representing over two-thirds of new diagnoses. Adjuvant therapy, which encompasses various medications and treatment durations, is the standard approach for managing early stage HR+ HER2- breast cancer. Optimizing treatment is essential to minimize unnecessary side effects while addressing the biological variability inherent in HR+/HER2− breast cancers. Incorporating biological biomarkers into treatment decisions, alongside traditional clinical factors, is vital. Gene expression assays can identify patients unlikely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, thereby refining treatment strategies and improving risk assessment. This paper reviews evidence for several genomic tests, including Oncotype DX, MammaPrint, Breast Cancer Index, RucurIndex, and EndoPredict, which assist in tailoring adjuvant therapy. Additionally, we explore the role of liquid biopsies in personalizing treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering late relapse risks and potential benefits of extended systemic therapy for HR+/HER2− breast cancer patients.

Keywords

• Early breast cancer
• HR-positive
• HER2-negative
• adjuvant therapy
• recurrence risk assessment