For the first time in Molise, a woman affected by breast cancer has had free access to the genomic test that allows them to avoid inappropriate chemotherapy after surgery. The availability of these molecular tests in all regions represents a battle of civilization for which the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) and patient associations have been fighting for months. Every year in Molise about 250 women are affected by breast cancer.
“It is estimated that these tests can be prescribed to one in five patients – he says Francesco Carrozza, Director of Oncology San Timoteo Hospital in Termoli and AIOM Molise Coordinator. Around 50 women in Molise are candidates for genomic tests every year. In December 2020, the Budget Law established a Fund of 20 million euros for their free application throughout the national territory. In July 2021, the Minister of Health Roberto Speranza signed the implementing decree which released the 20 million euros included in the Fund. In Molise there is a single Breast Unit that brings together three structures, the San Timoteo Hospital in Termoli, the Cardarelli Hospital in Campobasso (hub center) and the Ferdinando Veneziale Hospital in Isernia. The Directors of Oncology of the three centers have committed themselves to the publication of the regional resolution for the implementation of the Government decree and the subsequent procedure for the purchase of the genomic test. The patients identified for this specific health service are those with invasive early stage breast cancer that expresses estrogen receptors but not the HER2 protein considered to be at intermediate risk “.
“Thanks to the screening and innovative therapies, the 5-year survival in Italy in this neoplasm reaches 88% – continues Carrozza. However, it should be considered that breast cancer recurrence can occur up to twenty years after the initial diagnosis, especially in women with hormone receptor positive carcinoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy treatment, ie performed after surgery, reduces the risk of relapse “. “The advantage of adding adjuvant chemotherapy to hormone therapy is controversial in some cases – concludes Carrozza. Genomic tests are an important tool for the clinician in the choice of treatment for women who, based on the anatomopathological and clinical characteristics, are in a sort of ‘gray zone’, in which chemotherapy cannot be included or excluded with certainty. to hormone therapy alone. Not administering unnecessary chemotherapy can eliminate a burden of suffering and discomfort for thousands of women in Italy and favor savings for the health system “.
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