Oncotype Dx test????
 

Hello everyone,

Could someone explain to me what exactly the Oncotype Dx test is? And, also is it something all Dr.s do? I have my pathology report and do not see anything in regards to that on it. Thanks,

Pam

Hi Pam, The oncotype dx is used to determine one's chances of "distant recurrence". It is not done unless you or your doctor ask for it. It is done by only one independent lab. Many times insurance does not cover it. The lab will fight your insurance company for payment (they did it successfully for me...the test is VERY pricey). I have since learned that most Her2+ cancers score at moderate to high risk for recurrence on this test. When I had the test done, folks were just starting to see the correlation between Her2+ and high oncotype results. I am glad that I had the test done as it was one more piece of information for me to use when determining what my treatment would be!

Pam,
The oncotype DX test is a gene analysis of your tumor. A speciaman of your tumor tissue (parafin) slide.

This test will advise the likelihood that invasive breast cancer will return, or recur, the test uses gene expression profile of your tumor. It is also
useful for those who are on the fence about chemo treatment. The information can assist a patient in making a treatment decision.

The test will return a recurrence score which is a number between 0 and 100 that corresponds to the likelihood of breast cancer recurence within a 10 yr. period.

I had the test done. My insurance did cover it. It is now used by many onc. I will share with you that you should check your KI-67 level from your pathology report (mine was 40%) if yours is high - that is a strong indication. When I saw Dr. Slamon he said I didn't even need to do the test since KI -67 was so high. Most her2 - er postive will read high
(I do not know why)...but at the time my onc. were saying I did not require chemo/herceptin due to small tumor. I do not know your circumstances, if you are on the fence with having chemo etc.
But to the point - the Oncotype DX test is for women who are unsure if they should have chemo.

Hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Jean

Jean & Suzan,

Thank you. I do not see Ki-67 on my path either. I will have to ask doc about that one. I had 4 cycles of AC followed by 12 straight wks of Taxol, radiation was in question, but radiologist said not needed. Now on Herceptin til May. He is waiting for results of study, in regards to benefit of 2 yrs. of Herceptin.
Pam

From what little I recal the onco type test is only for ER+ and there is no test like it for ER-. I could be wrong.
Alice

Alice,
Your correct - patient has to be er positive for the test.

Jean