onco test...help?

bean4865

onco test...help?

bean4865

Can anyone out there tell me how they do this onco-type dx test? I am not sure and do not have an easy time getting a hold of doctor. Is it a blood test done on you or is it done on the tumor? Do you know how long the results take. I am not sure if I've had it done or not. I have had blood work. The nurse practioner said he will probably want to have it done...I am borderline. Guess I should have asked then.

Anonymous

Why is it that only some Drs order it? At the time of my diagnosis, I didn't know about this or I would have requested it be done. Is it too late to have it done years later (provided of course the tissue was frozen and has been kept by the hospital)?

Is this the test that determines tumor markers?

OneBadBoob

Laura and Kathleen--

I think the test was developed in 2004 and took a while for it to be "catch on"and be recommended and used.

Here is a link to what tissue is required for the test:

http://www.genomichealth.com/oncotype/lab/pathologists.aspx

Looks like it requires:  One fixed paraffin-embedded breast tumor block --  Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe these are kept by the hospital for a certain number of years?

How to order the test link:

http://www.genomichealth.com/oncotype/lab/treating_physicians.aspx

Link to FAQ'S regarding the test:

http://www.genomichealth.com/oncotype/faq/pat.aspx

I believe the "tumor markers" are determined by a blood test, and this "OncotypeDX test determines the level of activity or expression of each of 21 genes from the tumor itself. The results of the analysis are then put into a mathematical equation to convert those measures into the Recurrence Score^TM result.

This result corresponds to the likelihood of breast cancer returning within 10 years of initial diagnosis (distant recurrence) - among women with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive, lymph node-negative breast cancer who are taking hormone therapy. The result also provides insight into the amount of benefit the woman may receive from undergoing chemotherapy (commonly used drugs for early-stage breast cancer) in addition to hormonal therapy."

I believe there are also studies in using this test for node-positive tumors also, but someone please jump in here who knows more about whether this test is available for node-positive women.

Edited to add link to study on use in node-positive women.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/85335.php

http://patient.cancerconsultants.com/CancerNews.aspx?DocumentId=39930

hollyann

This test must be ordered by your oncologist.  It test for 21 different genes which can cause recurrence.  The lower the score the less likely you are to have to have chemo.  My score was 17 and only needed tamoxifen until recenetly when i switched to Femara after Hyst and ooph.  You must also be node negative and er/pr+  her2 neg.  It takes about 2 months to get results back because there is only one company performing the test at the moment in California.  The test costs $3,400 but you can get your insurance to pay for it.  Oncotype/GenomicHealth will help you get your insurance company to pay.

Anonymous

Just a comment ... the test can be ordered by any of your doctors ...  and typically takes about 2 weeks to get the results back. 

Oncotype DX is being studied with node positive cancers ...   but right now is only approved for use with node negative, er +, early stage ILC and IDC.

Doreen 

wishiwere

There is a phase III Trial going on to test this out.  It's called Trialx and hopefully all the info they gain by women being on this trial will benefit others down the road. 

As I understand it, The Oncotype will test women who have a grade of 2 or 3,  with node negative (currently, and this is changing I think I read), who are ER/PR positive with tumors greater than 1.1 cm but less than 5, Her2/neu negative.  There are other criteria, but this site gives the jest of it all.  Hope it helps.

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/ECOG-PACCT-1

Anonymous

This explains why I wasn't tested...I'm node positive. Thanks for all the info.

Kathleen - This may also be why your tumors weren't tested. Please let us know what your Dr says...

Anonymous

Thanks Jane for such a thorough response!

nash

Lucy--it's my understanding that Oncotype testing is available to both HER2 positive and negative women. It's the ER/PR status that's the issue (must be positive ER/PR). It's the HER2 positive women who typically end up with the high recurrence scores from what I've read.