Filipino researchers develop model to detect early cancer tumour spread

Manila: Researchers here have come up with a new way to spot early signs of cancer spreading in breast cancer patients — without having to do surgery.

Scientists at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, who analysed medical records of more than 600 breast cancer patients at a local hospital say their tool could help doctors create better, more personalised treatment plans.

The tool is backed by mathematical model that looks into the gene profile of the original tumour that scientists say have a high rate of accuracy in predicting if a patient already has, or might get, what is known as "lymphovascular invasion" (LVI).

The findings were published this month in Laboratory Investigation under the title “Lymphovascular invasion is associated with doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer.”

Breast cancer: Top malignancy among Filipino women

Breast cancer is now the leading malignancy affecting women in the Philippines, according to the Department of Health.

A 2021 study published in Cancer Epidemiology revealed that Filipino women face one of the highest breast cancer incidences in Southeast Asia, with late-stage diagnosis common due to limited screening access.

Another 2022 study in The Lancet Oncology stressed that delayed treatment contributes to higher mortality rates compared with neighbouring countries.

These findings highlight the urgent need for better detection and treatment strategies, particularly as new research in the Philippines explores innovative, less invasive ways of predicting disease progression.

Right now, most breast cancer patients get anticancer drugs to shrink tumours before surgery.

The surgery is what usually shows if the cancer has spread to places like the lymph nodes (also called lymphovascular invasion, LVI).

What differentiates the UP Diliman method is the combination of genetics and mathematical modelling which could potentially lead to better outcomes for patients.

UP Diliman is the main campus of the state-owned UP system, which has 17 campuses spread across the country.

The new method looks at the gene profile of the original tumour to predict if a patient already has or might get LVI. This means some patients might skip extra surgeries or expensive treatments, making things easier and more efficient overall.

LVI occurs when malignant cells invade the lymphatic or blood vessels, allowing cancer to spread.

“If we can detect LVI earlier, doctors could personalise treatment and improve outcomes,” said Michael Velarde of UP Diliman’s Institute of Biology.

“This could help avoid ineffective treatments and focus on strategies that work better for aggressive breast cancer.”

Velarde led the work alongside 12 other researchers (including Allen Corachea, Regina Ferrer, Lance Ty, Lizzie Aquino, Madeleine Morta, Shiela Macalindong, Gemma Uy, Eugene Odoño, Jo-Hannah Llames, Francis Tablizo, Eva Maria dela Paz and Rodney Dofitas).

By analysing tumour samples from 625 patients at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the researchers found that those with LVI “responded poorly” to anticancer drugs.

Specifically, LVI-positive tumours were less sensitive to doxorubicin, a standard chemotherapy drug. Their RNA and microarray sequencing model predicted LVI status with 92 per cent accuracy during biopsy—well before surgery.

“This approach can be implemented in the Philippines using locally available genomic technologies, making earlier detection and tailored treatment more accessible,” Velarde told local media.

The team called the model an “exciting opportunity” to integrate LVI-associated gene signatures into personalised treatment plans.

Still, Velarde cautioned that the model is in its early stages and requires more validation. “Our goal is to develop a practical test that can be used in Philippine hospitals to guide doctors in choosing the best treatment for each patient,” he added.