Oncotype 11 and Below- No Chemo - Again

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited March 2016 in Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results

Just saw another study proving that Oncotypes of 11 or below do not need chemo. Wow, how many studies do we need for doctors to finally get it? This came out in 2006. How many women have been given chemo with low Oncotypes since 2006? The recurrence rates in the study were astoundingly low. What does it take to stop unnecessary chemo? Maybe it is the money....

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited March 2016

    Back in 2006 patients were not allowed to have Oncotype testing if they had 1 positive node. I inquired and my MO said NO - it was not approved for node positive patients. The test would not be paid by insurance. I 'think' they started to allow testing in 2007 but were slow changing recommended chemo treatments. The standard of care in 2006 for any node positive BC was automatic chemo and Her2+ patients received Herceptin. Now that Oncotype testing is available for MORE patients I would urge someone to use this information to assist them in their treatment protocol. I sure would have tried to avoided chemo or at least the option not to take Adriamycin and just DD CT instead. I remember a lot of fear influencing my decisions with minimal guidance from MO - basically this is what we recommend - take it or leave it. Your risk decision.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2016

    cp418, I was diagnosed in 2007 and was lucky enough to have a doctor who believed in science and was part of the original research for the Oncotype. I came in at 11. With a 2.2 cm IDC I was an automatic for chemo without the test. Now women with positive nodes can have the test. it just seems that so many doctors are not following the research or maybe they are following the money.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited March 2016

    I was DX in 2011 with IDC, Stage 1a, Grade 1. I had a micromet in my SN so my BS said that would get me chemo. Instead my ONC ordered the Oncotype test for me. She said women had been overtreated for some time and this test was a good barometer of how aggressive my tumor was and whether chemo was warranted.
    My score came back at 11, non-aggressive cancer and an 8% chance of recurrence with 5 years on Tamoxifen. No chemo. 33 RADS treatments following a lumpectomy.
    Thank God for that test.

    Diane

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited March 2016

    Aug242007 - I hear you and certainly agree it really makes you wonder. I read a recent post where someone mentioned chemo for a single node positive still is the standard of care. I immediately thought - WHAT were the patient's Oncotype results? Was it even offered and did the patient know to even inquire for it? Knowledge is power IMO.

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