Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow abnormally. It can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Early detection and personalized treatment can significantly improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer.

In this article, we will discuss how Roche is leading the way in breast cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular diagnostics is a field that involves the use of genetic testing to understand how genes affect health and disease. Roche has developed several molecular diagnostic tests for breast cancer that help in early detection and diagnosis.

The cobas® EGFR Mutation Test, for example, is used to identify mutations in the EGFR gene that are associated with non-small cell lung cancer. The cobas® BRAF Mutation Test is used to identify mutations in the BRAF gene that are associated with melanoma.

Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine is an emerging field that uses genetic and molecular data to develop tailored treatments for individual patients. Roche is at the forefront of personalized medicine in breast cancer treatment.

The company’s HER2-positive breast cancer therapies, Herceptin® and Perjeta®, are designed to target specific proteins that are overexpressed in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Another Roche drug, Kadcyla®, is a targeted therapy that delivers chemotherapy directly to HER2-positive breast cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

Genomic Profiling

Genomic profiling is the process of analyzing a patient’s DNA to identify genetic mutations that may be driving their cancer. Roche has developed several genomic profiling technologies that are used in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The cobas® 4800 BRAF V600 Mutation Test, for example, is used to identify BRAF mutations in melanoma and other cancers. The company’s FoundationOne® test uses next-generation sequencing to analyze over 300 cancer-related genes, providing a comprehensive view of a patient’s genomic profile.

Companion Diagnostics

Companion diagnostics are tests that help identify patients who are most likely to benefit from a particular therapy. Roche is a leader in companion diagnostics for breast cancer.

The FDA-approved cobas® HER2 test, for example, is used to determine which breast cancer patients are eligible for Herceptin® therapy. The Ventana HER2/neu (4B5) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody is another Roche diagnostic test that helps identify patients who may benefit from Herceptin® or Perjeta® therapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Roche is developing several immunotherapies for breast cancer, including atezolizumab and Tecentriq®.

These drugs are designed to target specific proteins that are overexpressed in breast cancer cells, allowing the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a complex disease that requires personalized diagnosis and treatment. Roche is a leader in the development of molecular diagnostics, genomic profiling, companion diagnostics, and immunotherapies for breast cancer.

The company’s commitment to personalized medicine is helping to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer.