oncotype scores ?

[harrie]

The recurrance score of the Oncotype DX, from my understanding, does not incorporate the HER2 elevation. Correct my if I am wrong. My Oncotype recurrance score was 20. (low intermediate)

Harrie

[Hopeful]

Harrie,

The Oncotype test does incorporate Her2; there is some debate about whether it weights it correctly (the debate being it is weighted too heavily rather than too lightly). I read one interview with Dr. Paik (the inventor of the test) where someone asked him about it directly, and he said he would have to look into it. Unfortunately, I didn't print out the page and have been searching for it again ever since. I know the trial that is designed around the use of the test to determine hormone therapy vs. chemo + hormone therapy is limited to Her2 negatives.

Hopeful

[mjz]

According to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines limited data supports that a 21-gene assay (oncotypeDx)may provide both prognostic information and prediction of benefit, or lack therof, from chemo in node negative, hormone receptor-positive bc treated with tamoxifen. ---- this statement footnotes a flow chart for systemic adjuvant treatment-hormone responsive disease-HER-2/NEU overexpressed bc. My path along this flowchart (tumor 0.6-1.0 cm, moderately/poorly diffreentiated or unfavorable features) ends with"adjuvant hormonal therapy; WITH OR WITHOUT chemo. This is why I wonder and again hope that my score of 17 -the highest number still called "low risk" supports my decision to get herceptin without chemo... and wonder has anyone else used oncotype to help decide.