The Taylor-RX Trial Study

My understanding of the Taylor RX trial was that it is designed to assess the benefits of chemo for women whose Oncotype DX score is in the intermediate risk group. My score was 24 which is right in the middle of that group.

I'm not in the study but am very interested in its methods and outcome. I have a neurologically based disability (since birth) and was advised against chemo by two doctors (breast surgeon and oncologist).

If you would care to share your feelings, why are you having second thoughts? Have you had the Oncotype DX test yet?

Pam,

Thanks for the clarification re: the "gray area". I was under the impression that they considered that area to be the entire intermediate risk range (18-30) but, clearly, that's not the case. It's interesting that the gray area extends down into the low risk range.

My husband suggested that I contact the Tailor-RX contact here in Las Vegas and volunteer myself as a data point even though I'm not in the study. I may still do that, at some point.

I couldn't take a chance on enrolling in the study and getting randomized to have chemo with my condition. It's too risky, from what my doctors told me. I'm therefore putting all my eggs in the "Arimidex basket", so to speak. We'll see how that turns out.

Yes, please do keep me posted when you find out your score.

Pam, I too applied for the Taylor trial. Sent my Oncotype DX sample on 07/07/09 and still haven't received results. The trial is a partially randomized study which means that your onco can choose what treatment plan will apply to you and data will be used in the study. I particularly wanted to be sure that the participation did not reduce my treatment strategy. The only thing that would make my onco consider changed our treatment plan was if the Oncotype DX score was exceptionally low. However, even if it does come in low (below 11) I still have the option of continuing with the original treatment plan. Hope this info helps. If you have a different understanding from your onco, please let me know and I can reconfirm with my onco that my treatment will not be changed from the full charge chemo (4-4), rads, hormone therapy plan.

More info on this trial at: NCI's website www.cancer.gov

Love & Hugs,

DeniseM

Count me in on the TailorX Study. My sample was sent in on July 16th. My next app't with my ONC is July 30 and I will get my results then. I was under the impression that we could opt out at any time? Like everyone, I'm hoping that I my score is low...

Terri

Pam's Promise - not sure if I'm still in the study or just got randomized for the treatment I wanted or if the oncologist has more "say" in treatment than appears from the study information. Part of the study reads "Group 2 (Primary study group; ODRS 11-25): Patients are stratified according to..." and then lists tumor size, menopausal status, and then various planned treatment options, then Oncotype DX scores and ends with "Patients are then randomized to receive either hormonal therapy alone or combination chemotherapy and hormonal therapy."

I ended up with an Oncotype DX Recurrence Score of 11 which is the primary study group AND will be starting my Dose Dense chemotherapy next week Wed., July 29th @ 9am. It will be followed by hormonal therapy and radiation therapy.  I am in the application for another trial, the CTSU Protocol E5103: A Double-Blind Phase III Trial of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel with Bevacizumab...". The TAILORx Study allows for concurrent enrollment in another CTSU study and perhaps because the second study does not have a hormonal therapy only arm it "forces" the TAILORx to place me into the "having chemotherapy" group.

Not entirely sure as it's getting a bit confusing with all the tests, procedures, doctors, and trail applications being done with me right now. Something to discuss with your doctor at any rate.

Love, Hugs, and Aloha from Hawaii,

DeniseM

Hi everyone!

Based on the string of messages, I question if they will ever recruit enough intermediate risk women willing to 'not do chemo'.

I did not get the oncotype test because my cancer was multi-focal -- one primary tumor at 1.5cm and two smaller tumors < . 4cm. I was told sending in one tumor sample would not be predictive of the others and I suppose sending all three would be too expensive. Despite this, being multi-focal and grade 3 likely puts me at intermediate risk anyway, and I would then want the chemo.

I agreed and then was second guessing myself while waiting for the results to come in, I guess it's the feeling of losing control. I would have had the Oncotype test anyway though. I was ecstatic when the score came back as a 6.  I am still part of the study but in the "A" group, which I guess represents participants with a score <11.