Biomarker-Directed Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review

Integration of molecular biomarker information into systemic therapy has become standard practice in breast cancer care. However, its implementation in guiding radiotherapy (RT) is slower. Although postoperative RT is recommended for most patients after breast-conserving surgery and, depending on risk factors, following mastectomy, emerging evidence has indicated that patients with low scores on gene expression signatures or selected clinical-pathological features may have very low local recurrence rates. This narrative review explored the potential of biomarker-directed personalized RT approaches, which may optimize treatment strategies and be associated with improved patient outcomes and experiences.

Distinctions between prognostic and predictive biomarkers were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of analytical and clinical validity in biomarker-based studies. Findings from studies investigating the prognostic and predictive value of various genomic signatures and immunohistochemical markers for guiding breast RT were presented. These included the Adjuvant Radiotherapy Intensification Classifier and the Profile for the Omission of Local Adjuvant Radiation, which have shown potential in predicting RT benefits. The genomic-adjusted radiation dose and role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were also discussed. Ongoing clinical trials exploring the use of biomarkers in ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer to refine RT decision-making were illustrated.

The results of this narrative review suggest that evidence-based shared decision-making is crucial to optimize treatment according to the individual's predicted benefits and risks along with their personal preferences. Incorporation of biomarker-directed approaches in RT for breast cancer may hold promise for personalized treatment, potentially facilitating omission of RT for patients at low risk of recurrence, while identifying those who may benefit from intensified therapy. This personalized RT approach may be associated with improved clinical outcomes and quality of life and facilitate decision-making for people with breast cancer. However, there remains a need for robust clinical and analytical validation of biomarkers to ensure reliability and clinical utility for RT optimization.