What is "oncotype"

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dogsandjogs
dogsandjogs Member Posts: 1,907
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

I wonder why none of my doctors mentioned it. Is it only done in certain cases?

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  • dogsandjogs
    dogsandjogs Member Posts: 1,907
    edited April 2011

    bump

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited April 2011

    The Oncotype test helps our Dr's decide if chemo will help us. A low score up to 18 they say no chemo. If in the middle they just don't know if chemo will help or not. High score chemo will help alot. Looking at your stats it should help your Dr. determine if chemo will help or not. My stats a similar to yours, and I  had the Oncotype test done.

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  • dogsandjogs
    dogsandjogs Member Posts: 1,907
    edited April 2011

    Thanks Kira!

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  • BioAdoptMom3
    BioAdoptMom3 Member Posts: 198
    edited April 2011

    I just had mine done too and it just came back Friday (intermediate score and chemo coming).  They usually send your pathology off for this test if you are early stage, hormone positive, HER2- and have no lymph node involvement.  Since you fit the criteria I would ask.  Good luck!

    Nancy

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  • shannonW
    shannonW Member Posts: 186
    edited April 2011

    I'm so glad u asked this ques, I was wondering the same!

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  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited April 2011

    Just be prepared that with oncotype you don't always get the answers you want.  If you have a low score it's great, but if you end up intermediate you have to make some decisions about chemo on your own.  If it's high it can scare you a bit but you will know chemo is a good choice.  It can be a valuable part of the decision making process.  Good luck!

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited April 2011

    I had the oncotype test done and I did have node involvement. My node involvement was a micromet but it was still found in the SN. My onc recommended the test for me because I was Stage 2(node involvement) and Grade l. She was undecided about treatment for me and apparently a lot of oncologists are requesting patients have this test done. She admitted they have been overtreating patients so this test is a barometer they can use to help them decide. My score came back 11 and a non aggressive cancer; thus no chemo. Thank goodness for this test because in the past node involvement typically meant automatic chemo. It no longer does. mdg is right that you do need to be prepared if your score comes back in the intermediate range because drs are divided about treatment. It may be determined if you are on the low end of the intermediate range or the high end. Also some insurance companies will not pay for the test and it is very expensive. Fortunately, mine did.. Bottom line it can make the difference between having chemo and not. Worth the risk to me.

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  • NormaJean65
    NormaJean65 Member Posts: 234
    edited April 2011

    Yes, the test is expense.  Please check with your insurance company directly or better yet, have the dr. office contact them.  As someone else said, fortunately I had ins. that would pay, but even having already met my deductible, my portion was $684.00 as the total submitted to my ins. co. was $4075.00.   It was the deciding fact in my tx plan.  Also note there are two scores on the first page, one refers to the % of bc recurrence & further down is a score referring to distal recurrence both without any treatment.  Your onco should be able to give you percentages of recurrence based on what treatment is used whether it be chemo, aromatase inhibitors, etc.  My Oncotype was based on my original positive HERS 2 score........very high & tumor was Grade 3 meaning very aggressive.

    Hope this helps. Thoughts & prayers go out to you.

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