Oncotype DX multigene expression test for breast cancer patients

Sep 4 2009

In an effort to provide breast cancer patients with prompt, critical information about treatment options for use at their first visit with the medical oncologist, a number of leading U.S. surgeons request Genomic Health's Oncotype DX molecular test at the time of surgery or biopsy.

Oncotype DX is a multigene expression test that analyzes the activity of 21 genes within a breast cancer patient's tumor to calculate an individualized result known as a Recurrence Score®. Additionally, the test report provides quantitative scores for certain individual genes. As of May 2009, physicians have used Oncotype DX for breast cancer treatment planning in more than 100,000 patients in over 40 countries worldwide. It is the only validated multigene expression test recommended in the treatment guidelines issued by both the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

"Obtaining these findings early on helps reduce a patient's anxiety about treatment and helps us ensure adherence to established quality-of-care indicators," says Harry D. Bear, MD, PhD, chairman, Division of Surgical Oncology and professor of Surgery and Microbiology & Immunology at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine & VCU Massey Cancer Center in Richmond.

Dr. Bear served as chair and moderator for the monograph entitled, "Oncotype DX Assay for Breast Cancer" in the August 2009 issue of Contemporary Surgery. The recommendations are based on his experience as a surgical oncologist and that of three other physicians from leading U.S. cancer centers.

The surgeon is often the first provider to discuss a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan with a patient. Ordering Oncotype DX early means results can be available for the patient's first consultation with the medical oncologist. To simplify the process further, some surgeons incorporate the test into standing orders established with the hospital's multi-disciplinary team.

"Although we may not determine adjuvant therapy, knowing a patient's Recurrence Score significantly focuses and simplifies my response to questions about needing chemotherapy. Now, I can tell a patient straightforwardly that we'll conduct a genomic analysis of her tumor to show how much she is likely to benefit from chemotherapy," said Pat Whitworth, MD, Director of the Nashville Breast Center and faculty member for the monograph.

Genomic Health provided financial support for the monograph as well as the roundtable discussions that served as the basis for the monograph.