Could ctDNA aid treatment de-escalation for older ER-positive breast cancer patients?

For older women with ER-positive breast cancer, the decision to undergo surgery is not always straightforward. A recent study explored whether ctDNA testing could help identify which elderly patients could safely forgo surgery in favor of primary endocrine therapy. In this interview, we speak lead author of the study Neil Carleton (University of Pittsburg, PA, USA) explores the study's implications and shares advice for oncologists managing these treatment discussions. How could ctDNA help guide treatment de-escalation for older ER-positive breast cancer patients? Identifying which patients can safely forego surgery during primary endocrine therapy remains a challenge, largely because real-time information...