As Jacki reported this morning, new research out this week suggested that thousands of breast cancer patients may be able to do away with heavy chemotherapy treatments or receive much less invasive chemo without damaging chances of beating the disease.

For those that have undergone the vagaries of chemotherapy, this is understandable. In 2007 (almost 2008), it still amazing that there are not many (if any) mainstream cancer treatment alternatives than pumping radiation into the body. Genetic research is producing some fine candidates, but chemo remains the top cancer treatment.

Still, a gene test can even determine if some breast cancer patients even need chemo at all, even if the cancer has spread. That's good news, since chemo should be used always when there is no other choice.