Does positive lymph nodes effect Oncotype DX score

LoveBig

hello I had my first appointment with oncologist yesterday. My breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma, er+pr+her2-. 2 of 5 nodes tested positive for cancer. The oncologist wanted to run the Oncotype test to see if I would need chemotherapy. I will have the score back August 8th at my next appointment. I wondered if the two positive nodes will effect my score or not

gb2115

When you read about it online, it seems they use it up to three positive nodes! I don't think the actual nodes being positive will affect your actual score though, meaning it won't make your score higher. If it's high it's high because of the cell biology.

Hoping for the best for you!

LoveBig

thank you

edwards750

I had the Oncotype test and I had a micromet in my SN. My Oncologist said they didn't test other nodes because it was so tiny the likelihood of other nodes having cancer was unlikely. My score was 11. No chemo thankfully.

Diane

letsgogolf

As someone said earlier, I don't think the node status will change the Oncotype score because it is based on the biology of the tumor. I had 1 node with a micro deposit and my score was 3 which means no chemo. Do you know your er and pr percentages? You might try to plug in your data to cancer math. That program seems to be very accurate. It matched Oncotype exactly for myself and my sister.

sunnyjay

I asked my MO about getting an oncotype test. I had one positive sentinel lymph node with micrometastases and spread to the extracapular tissue, and was recommended to get chemo. He told me that the oncotype test would likely be favorable for me, but regardless of the score he would still recommend chemo because of the way that darn tumor spread beyond the lymph node. But remember, this is just one of many tests that are considered in their treatment recommendation.

LoveBig

thank you all! I do have my er an pr percentages will look at the cancer math. My nodes state macrometastisis in two with one showing extranodal extension of metastic carcinoma. They took out 5 three didn't show any cancer. My er is 93 percent n pr is 75 percent her2 was negative n k-67 was 13 percent

MamaFelice

I too am waiting on my score to weigh in with treatment options. I feel like the more info I can get on the table the better. It is my understanding that some highly ER+ BCs don't respond as well to the chemo, therefore not lending much to the elimination of the disease, and the tests can help determine such. I had a lumpectomy and SN biopsy that showed 2.5cm tumor with just beyond micromets in 2/3 nodes but also showed extrapular extensions which my doc made no mention of as a determining factor. I feel like so much is an insurance game....many different treatments possibilities "just to be sure" or "just in case". Have you seeked out another opinion ? Happy thoughts your way!