Has anyone used Breast Cancer Index, Mammaprint, Endopredict?

andrearose · October 2020

I have my yearly follow-up with my MO tomorrow. I've just passed the 5 year mark on tamoxifen and he has left it up to me as to whether I continue the therapy or stop. In the past I've asked if I should do the Breast Cancer Index test and he's kind of blown it off. I read an article on here that said it is not FDA approved. Wondering if anyone has done any of the tests that predict years 5-10 distant recurrence and if your docs approved/supported the decision? He won't really tell me why he doesn't think it's a great idea and I just don't know what to do.

marie914 · October 2020

My breast surgeon sent my tumor (left mastectomy) to get Mammaprint - unfortunately even with no lymph nodes involved - the Mammaprint said high risk of reoccurence. 30% of recurring within 10 years. I have negative genetic markers. My tumor was 2.3 cm and some other DCIS in the same breast.

I don't know about the breast cancer index but I would want all the test they can give me. I wanted oncotype since it gives you a number and lets you know whether you are high in the low range, or low in the medium range or high in the high range. I didn't like that the mammaprint didn't give a number and just had low risk or high risk.

ctmbsikia · October 2020

andrearose-if you scroll down the page here in the hormonal therapy section, or over to your left put breast cancer index text in the search function you will find other topics that were started regarding your question that you might find helpful in case you don't get many replies here.

I'm just coming up on 3 years so I have no idea what I'll do when I get to 5. Right now though I can tell you I'm tired of tests and I would pass if it was offered to me.

Moderators · October 2020

Hi andrearose,

We're not sure if you've seen this page yet on the main Breastcancer.org site, but it may help answer some questions for you and also offers up other genomic test options that you might want to ask about: Breast Cancer Index Text

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

SpecialK · October 2020

andrearose - the majority of genomic tests, including OncotypeDx, are not FDA approved. Mammaprint is one of the only ones, along with the lab platforms that determine hormonal receptors and Her2 status. There is much less emphasis for FDA approval since these are tests rather than drugs.

My MO was the one who suggested doing the BCI test when I was nearing five years on anti-hormonals. Unfortunately I fell into a minority of results with a high risk of recurrence and a low benefit from the medication. I did continue taking Femara for another two and a half years - so a total of seven and a half years - then stopped, with my MO’s knowledge and endorsement - due to the need to be off both Femara and Prolia for a tooth extraction and bone graft which was unrelated to breast cancer treatment.

gb2115 · October 2020

I don't know anything about BCI, but my tumor cells were sent out for Mammaprint after surgery. Because of my age and positive node, if it weren't for the mammaprint result, I'd have probably had chemo.

andrearose · October 2020

Thanks -- I had no idea that Oncotype wasn't FDA approved either! It's interesting...my MO last week said he thought Oncotype was enough and that my risk is low enough to go off tamoxifen. I'm going to take a 6 month break because I'm not fully comfortable with the idea of going off permanently.

Rambros · October 2020

I just had BCI test done. If you can get your doctor to order it then if can’t hurt to have the additional information. The test is $5000 but they call you ahead of time to say they won’t bill you even if your insurance company denies it or is under your out of network deductible. Mine showed high risk (15.9% in years 5-10) but high benefit of continued hormone therapy so I’m aiming for another 5 years

Has anyone used Breast Cancer Index, Mammaprint, Endopredict?

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