UPMC Hillman has officially introduced a new diagnostic tool, DCISionRT. This is an innovative precision medicine test that represents a significant step forward in the personalised treatment of specific breast tumours.
This specific test is intended solely for women previously diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It is important to note that DCIS represents a non-invasive form of breast cancer, meaning the cancer cells have not yet invaded the surrounding healthy breast tissue.
Statistically, this condition accounts for a significant proportion of newly diagnosed cases. Indeed, DCIS accounts for approximately 20 to 25 per cent of all breast cancers detected through screening mammograms. Given its frequency, accurate risk profiling is essential for effective health management.
The primary purpose of introducing DCISionRT is to provide additional, deeper insights that were previously unavailable through standard methods. These more detailed data enable doctors to better understand the specifics of each case.
Through the use of this tool, medical staff and patients can together make more informed and individualised decisions about the course of treatment. This moves away from a 'one size fits all' approach in favour of therapies tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
