Indian AI-Based Breast Cancer Test May Help Eligible Patients Avoid Chemotherapy

An Indian artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic test developed by OncoStem Diagnostics may help doctors identify certain patients with early-stage breast cancer who could avoid chemotherapy based on their risk of cancer recurrence. The CanAssist Breast test is designed for patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative early-stage breast cancer.

The test analyses tumour tissue removed during surgery, measuring five protein biomarkers and combining the results with clinical factors such as tumour size, tumour grade and lymph node status. An AI-based algorithm uses these inputs to generate a recurrence risk score ranging from 1 to 100, helping clinicians assess the potential benefit of chemotherapy.

According to OncoStem founder Dr Manjiri Bakre, a score below 15.5 indicates a low risk of recurrence within five years of diagnosis. Depending on the patient's overall clinical profile, treatment may include radiation therapy and hormone therapy without chemotherapy. The test supports clinical decision-making and does not independently determine treatment.

Currently marketed by Zydus Lifesciences, CanAssist Breast is available across India, with testing conducted at OncoStem's central laboratory in Bengaluru. The company has also developed a kit-based version intended to allow hospital pathology laboratories to perform the test in-house, potentially reducing sample transportation delays.

The kit is under review by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). The company expects to receive its manufacturing licence by the end of 2026 or early 2027, according to the report. Wider access to prognostic testing could support more individualised breast cancer treatment by helping doctors identify patients who may derive limited additional benefit from chemotherapy.

Source :https://news.docthub.com/indian-ai-based-breast-cancer-test-may-help-eligible-patients-avoid-chemotherapy-N2621