New Method Identifies Immunotherapy Candidates for Breast Cancer

Recent studies have shown promising advancements in the treatment of aggressive breast cancer. A three-drug combination therapy has been found to potentially double progression-free survival for patients with advanced breast cancer, offering an additional eight months without disease worsening (David Davies/PA). Concurrently, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a computational method using quantitative systems pharmacology to identify which patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer could benefit from immunotherapy, specifically pembrolizumab. This innovative approach aims to improve the accuracy of predictive biomarkers, addressing the challenges of existing methods that have limited efficacy in identifying responsive patients. The study underscores the importance of stratifying patients due to the high toxicity associated with immunotherapy treatments. These breakthroughs highlight a dual approach in enhancing treatment efficacy and patient selection in breast cancer care.