At the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Justin Drake emphasized the urgent need for improved breast cancer screening options. His discussion focused on women with dense breast tissue or those who receive inconclusive or negative mammogram results. While traditional mammography remains the standard screening method, its limitations in sensitivity—particularly for dense breasts—highlight the potential of emerging blood-based technologies to address these gaps.
Drake introduced the Certitude Breast test, developed by Astrin Bioscience, as a promising non-imaging solution for early breast cancer detection. This test leverages proteomics to provide a supplemental screening option, particularly beneficial for women who may require further investigation after a mammogram. He reinforced that mammography should remain the primary screening tool, but noted that the Certitude Breast test could serve as an important adjunct in specific cases.
Addressing Disparities in Screening Access
Drake pointed out that more than 10% of counties in the United States have either no mammography facilities or only one. This situation affects over 10 million women, creating significant barriers to screening. In these underserved areas, a blood test could provide a more accessible option for women to rule out potential cancer without the need for costly imaging procedures.
The role of pharmacists is also evolving with the introduction of blood-based cancer screening tools. As pharmacists become more involved in patient education and the navigation of testing options, they will play a critical role in bridging the gap for underserved populations lacking access to advanced imaging technologies.
Drake answered questions regarding the validation of the Certitude Breast test, which is being positioned as the first non-imaging blood test with performance comparable to MRI. He highlighted ongoing research, including a case-controlled study involving 300 women and a larger biobank study of 1,250 women, which demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for the test.
Future Steps for Clinical Integration
Looking ahead, Drake noted the necessity of conducting prospective trials to further validate the test’s efficacy. Collaborations are underway with reputable institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. These trials will compare the Certitude Breast test against MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography. Additionally, a prospective pre-biopsy study is planned, aimed at assessing the test’s performance in differentiating between benign and cancerous lesions. This could potentially reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies among women.
Dr. Drake’s insights at the SABCS reflect a significant advancement in breast cancer screening technology, aiming to improve access and outcomes for women at risk. As research progresses, the integration of blood-based tests like Certitude Breast could transform the landscape of breast cancer detection, making screening more accessible for all women, regardless of their geographic location.
