Trust plays key role in breast cancer research helping shape future treatment
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has played an important role in a landmark breast cancer study that could help thousands of patients avoid unnecessary chemotherapy in the future.
The Trust recruited 30 patients to the national OPTIMA trial, which has shown that using a molecular test to better understand the biology of an individual's cancer can help identify some people with early breast cancer who can safely avoid chemotherapy without affecting their long-term outcomes.
The OPTIMA trial is investigating patients with early breast cancer who have undergone surgery. Participants are randomly allocated to either receive standard care or have their tumour analysed using the Prosigna molecular test, which provides additional information about whether chemotherapy is likely to offer any extra benefit alongside hormone therapy.
Results presented from the trial show that, internationally, around two-thirds of patients in the test-directed group were identified as being at low risk and were able to avoid chemotherapy. After five years of follow-up, there was no statistically significant increase in cancer recurrence among those patients who did not receive chemotherapy.
Dr Anne Kendall, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Great Western Hospital, said:
"Trials like this are great news, meaning some patients can safely avoid chemotherapy based on their individual cancer biology – another move towards personalised medicine."
The study also highlights the growing impact of research at the Trust. Between April and June 2026, the Trust's Research and Innovation team recruited 356 participants across 96 active clinical studies and opened nine new studies across specialties including cardiology, cancer services, oncology, sexual health and urology.
The OPTIMA trial is one of many examples of how patients at Great Western Hospital are helping to shape the future of healthcare.
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