Molecular markers of response to radiotherapy in non-invasive breast cancer

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that is most commonly detected by mammography as part of screening programmes. The incidence of DCIS is increasing. Although DCIS has a very good prognosis, it can also develop into an invasive form of breast cancer, which can have a significant impact on patient survival. The standard treatment for DCIS is mainly based on breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy. A large proportion of patients treated with radiation therapy experience acute or late side effects of treatment, such as changes in the skin or heart, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life. At present, tailoring radiation therapy to the expected toxicity of individual patients with DCIS is not yet possible, and additional molecular biomarkers of response to radiation therapy, both in relation to toxicity and disease recurrence, are needed that could be used to guide treatment decisions, which could improve treatment outcome and quality of life for patients.

The aim of the proposed study is to further define and thus increase the knowledge of a group of molecular markers associated with response to radiation therapy that have already been investigated in our previous studies and to identify new markers in patients with DCIS. To achieve this goal, we will combine genetic and epigenetic biomarkers with clinical data and also evaluate the late response to radiation therapy, both late toxicity and recurrence.