[Jean]

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