Study shows for many women, chemo not needed for breast cancer

By , Daily Memphian Updated: October 01, 2018 12:59 PM CT | Published: September 27, 2018 2:31 PM CT
<strong>Dr. Sal Vasireddy meets with breast cancer patient Alethea Bragg, 72, for a treatment follow-up at the Baptist Cancer Center on Sept. 18. Recent research has revealed that women with intermediate tumors, like Bragg, may not need chemotherapy. A type of testing previously only used to benefit women with beginning stage tumors, now is being used for the intermediate group. Now, these women very likely will be able to avoid unnecessary chemo.</strong> (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)

Dr. Sal Vasireddy meets with breast cancer patient Alethea Bragg, 72, for a treatment follow-up at the Baptist Cancer Center on Sept. 18. Recent research has revealed that women with intermediate tumors, like Bragg, may not need chemotherapy. A type of testing previously only used to benefit women with beginning stage tumors, now is being used for the intermediate group. Now, these women very likely will be able to avoid unnecessary chemo. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)

Genomic testing can done based on a 21-gene profile to classify breast cancer patients into categories of low risk, intermediate risk or high risk. And based on that profile, doctors determine whether or not the patient would benefit from chemotherapy.

Topics

Angela Wortham Arlington Baptist Cancer Center breast cancer Sal Vasireddy
Elle Perry

Elle Perry

A native Memphian, Elle Perry has earned graduate degrees from the University of Memphis and Maryland Institute College of Art. She’s written for publications including the Memphis Business Journal, Memphis Flyer and High Ground News, and previously served as coordinator of The Teen Appeal.


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