Has anyone with DCIS had the Oncotype test?

Infobabe

It is available for DCIS since last December but few doctors are ordering it.  I don't know if they are unaware or if they have good reason, or they don't like to change.  Maybe they don't like their patients telling them what to do.

I am running into a brick wall.  I asked my RO by phone.  His staff called back and said,"they don't do that for DCIS"  I asked her who "they" are.  She didn't know.

I am not letting this one go. 

Has anyone had any success with this.  How did it change your treatment plan? 

lisa2012

I had the oncotype test. It took 3 weeks since for some reason they had to do it over. My doc ordered it since I was early bc, clean nodes, and estrogen pos though only 30%. It showed my supposed recurrence number as 38. So I am doing chemo. Had it been say 10 I might have skipped chemo...which would have been great but maybe not prudent.

lisa2012

Forgot to say I am IDC.

Infobabe

 lisa2012 

Chemo seems awfully harsh for DCIS, hormone positive, unless there is more to the story. 

(edit)  Sorry, I just noticed you said IDC. 

Scottiee1

Yes, I had it done, but I had to ask for it. My oncologist said he would order the test only if I would consider chemo should I be at high risk for recurrence. I said of course and so the test was done. I live in Toronto and the test was done in California (not available yet

In Canada) also, it costs $6000 to do which the government covers. My test came back as my being at a relatively low risk for recurrence therefore no chemo.

Infobabe

Wow,  Scottieet 1

That is interesting.  He kind of blackmailed you but you would have done it anyway.

I believe it is $4,000 here in the States but I could be wrong.   The test sure worked for you.  Probably cost effective too as chomo can't be cheap.

voraciousreader

Infobabe...may I recommend reading, if you haven't already, the professional version of the 2012 NCCN breast cancer treatment guidelines. There are several oncology groups that develop guidelines and for all intents and purposes, those guidelines become "The Standard of Care."





In the 2011 NCCN breast cancer treatment guidelines, the Oncotype DX test was recommended for the first time for certain breast cancers. While the test was first FDA approved in 2006, it was NOT considered at the time, "The Standard of Care."



I think it would be worth your while to read the various guidelines, so you can appreciate how guidelines evolve and where your type of breast cancer fits into the equation.





Just like I mentioned to you regarding brachytherapy STILL being in the investigational stage, you need to enlighten yourself, so you can make an informed decision.



Mind you, there is nothing wrong with doing anything that is still in the investigational stage, but you need to be informed of the difference.



I chose ovarian suppression even though it was INVESTIGATIONAL and NOT "the Standard of care."



And by all means, if you are not satisfied with the first answer that you get from your doctor's office, then ask to speak to someone else. But BEFORE you even ask a question, try to familiarize yourself with the guidelines. Who ever knew, getting a cancer diagnosis would require so much work!!!!