How can biological markers help in treating ductal carcinoma in situ?

Researchers are now looking for biological markers that can predict if a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is at low or high risk for becoming invasive, thereby answering the question about what treatment, or combination of treatment is best. This "molecular profiling" will hopefully provide answers that will help women and their doctors make better decisions about treatment. For instance, one study found the risk for subsequent invasive cancer 8 years after a DCIS diagnosis was highest (20% higher) if the original tumor could be felt during a breast exam vs. found incidentally on mammography, or if she was positive for 3 biomarkers. If these results are replicated, a test for these markers will help guide decisions.