New Findings Solidify the Role of Endocrine Activity Index in Chemo Predictions for Breast Cancer Treatment

Significance of the Endocrine Activity Index in Breast Cancer Treatment

Recent advancements in breast cancer treatment have brought the Endocrine Activity Index (EAI) to the forefront. Presented at the prestigious San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in December 2024, new data from the GEICAM/9906 trial showcases EAI’s predictive capabilities regarding dose-dense chemotherapy benefits. This breakthrough reinforces previous findings from the CALGB 9741 trial, solidifying the EAI's status as a critical clinical tool.

Overview of Research Findings

In a significant development, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published a detailed analysis based on a 12-year follow-up from the CALGB 9741 trial in early January 2025. The study, led by Dr. Otto Metzger at Dana Farber Cancer Center, involved 613 hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients. The results indicated that patients with an EAI score lower than 0.75 enjoyed enhanced disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) when undergoing a dose-dense chemotherapy regimen.

Additionally, a separate study presented by Dr. Miguel Martin at SABCS confirmed the EAI's predictive value in patients receiving dose-dense paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. For those with an EAI score below 0.75, there was a marked increase in DFS over a decade compared to those who did not receive paclitaxel, demonstrating the test's clinical relevance.

Implications for Treatment Decisions

Winz Casagrande, CEO of Delphi Diagnostics, emphasized the importance of these findings in aiding healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions for breast cancer patients. The compilation of data from both studies indicates strong support for using EAI to discern those who would benefit most from intense chemotherapy regimens. Dr. Federico A. Monzon, Chief Medical Officer of Delphi Diagnostics, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that physicians should consider EAI to optimize treatment plans.

The emerging consensus from clinical research challenges traditional views that therapy intensity should be largely dictated by tumor metrics alone. Instead, the collective findings push for a new understanding that includes the measurement of endocrine activity within breast cancer cells, which may influence chemotherapy dosing strategies.

The Path Ahead

The EAI test, also referred to as the Sensitivity to Endocrine Therapy (SET) Test, monitors the endocrine activity in breast tumors based on molecular subtype genes and other clinical factors. Its performance as an independent prognostic indicator makes it a vital asset in patient management, particularly for stage II-III, HR+HER2- breast cancer.

Delphi Diagnostics, based in Texas, is dedicated to making EAI accessible to breast cancer patients, promising a transformative step towards personalized treatment approaches. The company is working to commercialize this technology, originally developed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Conclusion

The confirmation of EAI as a predictive tool for chemotherapy benefits marks a significant stride in breast cancer treatment. As the scientific community rallies around this innovation, the future of personalized cancer therapy looks promising. Delphi Diagnostics envisions a healthcare landscape where personalized approaches based on robust data can lead to improved patient outcomes.

For further information, visit Delphi Diagnostics.