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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Oncotype DX
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Oncotype DX
by txgrl01, Sep 10, 2007 09:13AM
My IDC tumor was 1.1cm, grade 1, well differentiated, negative node but micromestastases of .2 in the SLN. No radiation, simple mastectomy. I am the 5th woman in my family with breast cancer (3 maternal aunts, maternal grandmother, and maternal great-grandmother).
My oncologist has recommended the Oncotype DX since most of my test results are low risk but a couple of things throw me into the intermediate risk area. After researching, I found that even with the DX text approximately 22% of women will still fall in the intermediate risk category. If my score is 18 or below, no chemo; 31 or above, chemo. What is the general thought on intermediate risk women regarding chemo?
My oncologist has recommended the Oncotype DX since most of my test results are low risk but a couple of things throw me into the intermediate risk area. After researching, I found that even with the DX text approximately 22% of women will still fall in the intermediate risk category. If my score is 18 or below, no chemo; 31 or above, chemo. What is the general thought on intermediate risk women regarding chemo?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Sep 10, 2007 11:12AM
, Sep 10, 2007 11:12AM
Dear txgrl01: Decisions about chemotherapy are based on a variety of factors, including the size of the tumor, grade, lymph node status, hormone receptor status etc. Your oncologist will be best able to make recommendations regarding chemotherapy based on your specific situation. There may be an additional modest benefit to chemotherapy depending on your age, the size of the cancer and other characteristics of the cancer. If the oncotype DX falls into the intermediate category, your oncologist should be able to discuss risks versus benefits of chemotherapy. It may be that it becomes a personal decision based on the risk/benefit ratio and your comfort. Given your family history, you may also benefit from a discussion with a genetic counselor.
