Researchers develop new method of testing for breast cancer metastasis

For women diagnosed with breast cancer, determining if the tumor cells have spread to the lymph nodes is a key part of determining the most appropriate treatment approach, including whether a prescription to buy Tamoxifen is needed. A new study may have found a better way of testing for metastasis.

Traditionally, women would have to undergo a biopsy of their lymph nodes. This can be invasive and lead to postoperative complications. However, researchers from the Moffitt Cancer Center recently found that it may be possible to test for markers of cell receptors that are highly expressed in cancer metastases. The procedure is far less invasive than biopsies.

"The majority of breast cancer patients, up to 74 percent, who undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy are found to be negative for axillary nodal metasteses," said lead researcher David Morse. "Determining the presence or absence of axillary lymph node metastasis is critical to breast cancer staging and prognosis."

The findings could be used to develop new diagnostic techniques that are more effective than current non-invasive procedures and are less traumatic than traditional biopsies. This may simplify the process of determining if a breast cancer patient requires a prescription to buy Tamoxifen.