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Scientists may have developed a test which can identify the breast cancers at higher risk of returning after treatment.
A genetic variant only occurring in relapsing cancers was spotted during their research, which could forewarn doctors and allow them to deliver personalised treatment to those at risk.
Around one in five breast cancers come back after treatment, either in the same place as the original one or in another part of the body.

Around one in five cases of breast cancer come back after treatment (Monkey Business Images)

The findings are based on tumour samples taken from 1,000 breast cancer patients, 161 of whom had recurring tumours or spreading cancers.
Upon analysis, it was discovered that genetic factors driving recurring breast cancer are different from those responsible for non-returning tumours.
Dr Lucy Yates, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute at Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, said: “We have found that some of the genetic mutations that drive breast cancers that relapse are relatively uncommon amongst cancers that do not relapse at the point of primary diagnosis.
“We believe that the differences we have seen reflect genetic differences that can predispose a cancer to return, combined with mutations acquired throughout the period from first diagnosis to the subsequent relapse. Some of these genetic alterations are potentially targetable with drugs.”

Tailored treatment could be developed as a result of enhanced testing (Rui Vieira/PA)

Professor Peter Naredi, the European Cancer Organisation scientific co-chair of the European Cancer Congress, said it was an important breakthrough for patient treatment, especially in preventing over-treating those who will not benefit.
“This study also underlines the fact that we should consider a recurrence of a cancer as a new event, and carefully select the right treatment for the recurrent tumour as opposed to just relying on information from the first occurrence,” he said.