Oncotype DX

My2-Girls · February 2014

I am a little confused about the Oncotype test and am hoping some of you ladies can share your knowledge about this test. I understand that it can help a patient know if chemotherapy is going to benefit her. I read how some patients are thrilled when they get a low result so they do not have to be subjected to the drugs. But, here is my confusion......Does it mean that not only they won't benefit, but also that they may not do as well because the drugs won't benefit them? In other words, are they left with a worse prognosis because chemo won't be of help? Thanks in advance.

MsPharoah · February 2014

Hi, I definitely know why you are asking this question. The oncotype test answers the question about the benefits you will get from chemo compared to the risks of chemo. A low score says that there may be more or equal risk to you if you have chemo. So it wouldnt make sense to subject you to the possible long term side effects of chemo.

That is not to say that you have a worse prognosis...quite the contrary. And it also doesn't say that if you have a local recurrence, chemo won't be of any benefit wit a new cancer. Before the oncotype, there were always a group of women with small tumors, no nodes, low grade who skipped chemo. This test helps to further stratify that geoup. If you get.a low score, you still want to consult with an oncologist and maybe get another opinion before you decide against chemo. I had an intermediate score and made the decision to have chemo and don't regret it.

Msp

doxie · February 2014

Sorry have to join us on this journey, but hopefully we can help you along.

A low score on the Oncotype indicates the chemo will not benefit you. It works best on cancer that has high proliferation, or cells that divide quickly. As long as you take the 5 years of anti-hormonal drugs, then the distance recurrence rate that is provided will be lower the lower the Oncotype score is. A slow growing cancer will in all likelihood not recur or spread as like a fast growing cancer. So low is a very good thing.

My2-Girls · February 2014

MSPharoah and Doxie, thank you so much for your prompt replies. I think I have a better understanding now. I did not ask for myself, I asked for my daughters. Both of them were diagnosed last month within weeks of each other. Their surgeries are scheduled for this week and the fourth week of this month. They both came back BRCA negative. However, one of them looks like she may have some nodes affected. Her immunology reports look good with a very low proliferation rate <10% and strongly positive estrogen receptor staining of 100%. Her progesterone staining test was the same and her Her2 is negative. If she does come back node positive, she doesn't get to take the Oncotype test, right?

pupmom · February 2014

My2-Girls, You can get the Oncotype Test if you have up to 3 positive nodes. I had 2 positive and got the test. My result was 14, thereby sparing me from chemo. Best wishes for your girls and you!

coraleliz · February 2014

The oncotype test is use for node positive also. 1-3nodes & I think the nodes can't be too large.

edwards750 · February 2014

My2-Girls...good luck to your daughters. Let me echo what coraleliz posted about the Oncotype test first hand. I had a micromet in my SN and was still able to take the test. Genomic Labs, who conducted the test, said they considered mine so small my test was labeled node negative. Also, my Oncologist who recommended the test thank goodness said for years women have been overtreated and this test affords them another tool to use in deciding what treatment plan is best for you. I had a score of 11 which is low. I am truly blessed because I am not positive what I would have done if my score had come back in the intermediate range. Lets get real here no one wants to do chemo but none of us wants a recurrence either so here's hoping if they have to have the test their scores are low. Diane

Oncotype DX

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