Er/pr - her2+ does mamma print offer any value to us?

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Tinkerbells
Tinkerbells Member Posts: 211
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

I was not given any predictive testing for my bmx. I want to speak with my onc about the values of the mamma print but of course want to see what you guys think- you are always a better source for me than anywhere else. From what I can figure out- oncotype testing will not work for us hormone negative gals. If I can guess what my onc will tell me- she will say my her2 status and grade are of more predictive value than the test. 

Is it worth it to even have mamma print?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited May 2014

    Correct that Oncotype Dx was developed for ER+ patients.  The reason is that the purpose of the test is to determine whether chemo is beneficial when added to hormone therapy - which ER/PR- patients would not be taking. You can have Mammaprint done if you are ER/PR-, Her2+ and it will give you a recurrence risk assessment of low or high.  I had Mammaprint done on my ER/PR/Her2+ tumor (my BS was doing a trial with Agendia Labs) and my understanding is that the majority of HEr2+ patients, regardless of hormonal receptors, will come back with a high recurrence score.  Because hormonal therapy is not applicable for you I would think chemo would be recommended for that reason, and compounded by the Her2+ aspect.  Unless you have a mass that is smaller than 5mm, chemo and Herceptin are usually a given, some with one less than 5mm still do it, but with a slightly less aggressive chemo regimen.  You also need to consider whether with a ER/PR-, Her2+ tumor your insurance is willing to pay $5,000 for a test when the assumption is that chemo would be recommended anyway.  My insurance denied payment because it considered Mammaprint "experimental" even though FDA approved.  Good luck!

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  • Tinkerbells
    Tinkerbells Member Posts: 211
    edited May 2014

    thank you Special K! You confirmed what I suspected- made no difference in my course of treatment. Was hoping it had some predictive value regarding recurrence but I guess I'm "lucky" to have this her2 + that trumps all.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited May 2014

    You are welcome! I'm glad the info was helpful. FWIW I would do just what you're doing! 

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