Reoccurrence rate test

Posted on: Sat, 23/08/2008 - 14:13
Reoccurrence rate test

Hi Everyone

Has anyone had or heard of the Oncotype DX test? It is to check how likely you are to have a reoccurrence of cancer. It is particularly useful for people with grade 1 or 2 breast cancer who have clear lymph nodes and are wondering whether to have chemo or not. I'm going to have the test as I'm still agonising two weeks after my first appointment with the oncologist who said chemo may be overkill - but it was my choice.

As I've said in one of the other threads, chemo or not chemo - it is still the question for me!

Ruth

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Posted on: Sat, 23/08/2008 - 17:51 #1
Oncotype DX test

Hi Ruth

I am a patient who seems to fit the criteria you describe but this test has never been offered to me. Chemo was not even discussed with me as the docs seemed to think surgery and radiotherapy were sufficient. I am being treated at the Royal Marsden in Sutton and I would assume they are the best specialist cancer hospital in the world. (I know their private patients' ward is chockablock with extremely rich folk from all over the world... so that must indicate something!) I would interested to hear how you get on and what it entails.

All the best

KateG

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Positive thinking

Posted on: Sat, 23/08/2008 - 18:03 #2
Hello ;0)

I was in exactly same boat, grade 2 Bc and had surgery and radio. Still wondering if I should have gone for the chemo.....

I would be really really interested to hear more about this test as I have never heard of it before.

Lesley x

Posted on: Sun, 24/08/2008 - 07:31 #3
Onco type DX

Hi Ladies

It is such a painful dilemma for people like us. I'm agonising every day. This test does sound great, I'm seeing my onc on Thursday to arrange it.

This is what cancerbackup says about it:-

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/QAs/BreastcancerQAs/AllQAs/related_faqs/Q...

and breastcancer.org:-

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/chemotherapy/new_research/20060126...

I've spoken to the company that does it, it costs £1,850 as they have to send a sample of your original lump off to the USA for testing. Amazingly my health insurance has agreed to pay for it - I suppose they hope it will tell me I don't need chemo and they will save money.

Best of luck
Ruth