SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A new Sanford Health clinical trial is exploring how genetic changes that occur during breast cancer could help in fighting the disease.

The study launched earlier this month monitors changes in breast cancer tumor tissue at initial diagnosis and, if applicable, at recurrence.

Oncologist Anu Gaba says that as researchers grow a database of genetic information from breast cancer survivors, they hope to be able to better predict how the disease behaves.

The DNA of breast cancer tumors is sequenced at three different times to compare how its genetic composition varies at differing stages. The stages are initial diagnosis, recurrence or metastasis and after the first line of treatment for advanced disease.

The trial is open in Sioux Falls and the North Dakota cities of Fargo and Bismarck.

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