AstraZeneca India, Roche Diagnostics India collaborate to improve diagnostic testing for breast cancer

Breast cancer, globally the most prevalent cancer among women, takes a critical turn when transitioning to metastatic stages, accounting for 30% of post-diagnosis cases and constituting a primary cause of breast cancer-related fatalities. Vital to patient care is the reassessment of biomarkers, specifically HER2, guiding crucial treatment decisions. The 15% to 20% of cases identified as HER2 positive present opportunities for targeted therapies, with advancements in HER2 testing continually optimizing its clinical application since the 1980s.

In 2020, it was estimated that breast cancer claims nearly 700,000 lives worldwide each year and that there would be over 2.2 million new cases. Approximately half of all patients with breast cancer (mBC) express low levels of HER2. These patients with HER2 low status may now be eligible for a targeted treatment, which could significantly improve their outcomes.

Dr. Anil Kukreja, Vice President - Medical Affairs and Regulatory, AstraZeneca India, “AstraZeneca’s ambition is to be the leading company in breast cancer and contribute to the elimination of breast cancer as a cause of death. We are therefore, actively partnering with key stakeholders to put breast cancer at the forefront, to help improve standards of care. Our collaboration with Roche Diagnostics is a pivotal step, focusing on improving patient outcomes with emphasis on patient-centricity. We believe this strategic partnership contributes significantly towards creating an integrated healthcare ecosystem that strongly benefits the overall patient experience.”

The initiative is focussed on advancements in HER2 testing standardisation and reporting. As per the partnership, comprehensive training initiatives for pathologists and medical oncologists will be imparted. Training modules designed for oncologists will cover advances in HER-2 testing and HER-2 low interpretations.

Dr Rishubh Gupta, MD, Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets shared, “Targeting and treating HER2-low breast cancer, which represents at least 55 percent of breast cancers globally, has been a challenge to the medical and scientific community. Earlier, metastatic breast cancer patients with a low level of HER2 status were considered to be part of the HER2-negative population and had no HER2-targeted treatment options. With this partnership, we bring hope to such patients and lead the way in HER2 diagnostics that supports the identification of patients who may benefit from HER2-targeted therapies.”

"This strategic alliance aligns with AstraZeneca's commitment to advancing patient-centric healthcare solutions and Roche Diagnostics' dedication to pioneering diagnostic innovation. The collaboration aims to address existing diagnostic challenges, reduce turnaround times, and elevate the overall patient experience, reinforcing the pivotal role of diagnostics in shaping effective treatment strategies for metastatic breast cancer patients in India," the release stated.