Turning Research into Action for Breast Cancer Patients

AHN Cancer Institute (AHNCI) is advancing breast cancer care in western Pennsylvania as the region’s only health network involved in groundbreaking research initiatives like the PREDICT II Registry. This national study enhances evidence-based clinical decision-making for women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or stage 0 breast cancer.

Setting the stage: PREDICT I findings

AHN’s participation in PREDICT II is led by Chirag Shah, MD, AHNCI’s chair of radiation oncology, who previously led the original PREDICT I study during his tenure at Cleveland Clinic, and his colleague Bindu Rusia, MD, radiation oncologist at AHNCI.

PREDICT I included nearly 2,500 women with DCIS and evaluated the clinical utility of a genomic test called DCISionRT. The test uses molecular profiling to estimate recurrence risk and potential value of adjuvant radiation therapy following a lumpectomy.

Key findings from PREDICT I demonstrated that the use of DCISionRT resulted in:

• A 38% change in treatment recommendations.*
• A 20% overall reduction in radiation recommendations.*

The results validated the test’s role in risk stratification and its ability to meaningfully inform treatment recommendations, supporting broader integration of genomic data into DCIS treatment care pathways.

Inside the PREDICT II Registry at AHN

PREDICT II expands the scope and methodology of PREDICT I by:

• Longitudinally following up to 3,000 women ages 26–85 for 10 years to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes.
• Investigating how DCISionRT results influence surgical, endocrine, and radiation treatment decisions.
• Assessing the impact of individualized treatment decisions on quality of life and overall care patterns.

Through comprehensive evaluation of treatment strategies and their clinical impact, PREDICT II is positioned to inform future personalized standards of care for DCIS.

“AHN’s support makes it possible for us to move beyond the traditional ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to DCIS management and generate the data needed to refine individualized treatment strategies,” said Dr. Shah. “This work reflects our commitment to advancing research and delivering care that directly improves patient outcomes.”

AHNCI also plans to participate in an upcoming national, randomized clinical trial further evaluating the clinical impact of DCISionRT.

Breast cancer care and beyond

Beyond clinical trial access and innovative treatment options, AHNCI and the AHN Breast Cancer Center of Excellence deliver comprehensive, leading-edge care through a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including:

• Advanced oncological surgery
• Nutrition counseling through registered dietitians
• Financial navigation support
• Nurse navigation for care coordination
• Supportive programs at the AHNCI Exercise Oncology and Resilience Center

How to refer

To refer a patient for coordinated and compassionate cancer care, as well as access to the latest trials and therapies if appropriate, call 412-578-HOPE or 412-578-4673.