Oncotype test/score in Cda?

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Newbie21
Newbie21 Member Posts: 70
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hi all,

Do they do this Oncotype test here in Cda? Is it common practise? New?

Thanks

Giulia

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited July 2009

    Hi Giulia!

    I just responded to your PM but I'll answer here as well in case anyone else is wondering about this.

    The Oncotype is very difficult to get in Canada.  This isn't because of our healthcare system but is because an American company (Genomic Health) owns the patent to the oncotype test and they have not approved any labs in Canada to run the test.  To get an Oncotype test done, a Canadian doctor has to contact the company in the U.S., fill out all sorts of forms, pay in advance and send the samples, packed specifically as directed, to Genomic Health in the U.S. -  through Customs (with all the problems that entails).   The process is detailed on the Genonic Health website.

    So, thanks to Genomic Health not having approved a lab in Canada, it's such a difficult and painful process to get an oncotype done in Canada that doctors here avoid it if they can - they certainly never offer it. 

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  • She
    She Member Posts: 503
    edited July 2009

    Beesie is correct.  I'm glad my surgical onc has ordered it previously and has experience with it, because I'll be having it.  The cost with an international discount is US3,776  ...  OUCH.  

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  • hlya
    hlya Member Posts: 484
    edited July 2009

    Giulia:

    If your tumor is more than 1cm, no lymph nodes involved or nuclear is 2 or 3 you could ask your doctor to put you in a clinical trial  which you can get Oncotype test done without any charge.  Ask your oncologist and he/she will know.

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  • chantou
    chantou Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2009

    Hello She,

    Did you have the Oncotype Dx test done? Did you or your insurance pay for it? I had it done last December and I am still negociating with my insurances. They claimed that they pay should the government agreed to pay part of the test - however little the amount would be. The downside is I got a letter from the RAMQ (Quebec) that they will not pay anything since it is not a test approved by Santé Canada. Any insight? 

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