Waiting on the results of the oncotype test
Hi there,
I wanted to see if anyone out there has had the oncotype testing? I know everyone’s story (diagnosis, treatment, etc) is different. But I’m curious about the following if you’ve had the oncotype test:
- How long did it take for results to come back?
- If it was in the range of 16-25, were you offered to be part of clinical trial? If so, what was/is your experience with the clinical trial?
- My medical oncologist mentioned that if this was 10 yrs ago, given the grade of my cancer, it was automatic chemo. So would you go through with the chemo treatment, if you’re oncotype score was intermediate?
Any response would be greatly appreciated. The worst part is the anxiety building up during the waiting game. Thanks in advance!
Comments
-
@pochaccogirl - Welcome to the community. We're sorry for what you had to join us, but glad you reached out. We hope you hear from others who’ve had similar experiences and can offer their own experience and support.
In the meantime, here are two articles from our main site that may be helpful:
How does the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score Test work?
Hope this helps! Reach out anytime you need support or want to talk. We're always here!
The Mods
0 -
Hi @pochaccogirl, I'm sorry you had to join us here but it's a good place for information and support.
It usually takes about two weeks for the Oncotype results to come back. The timeline also depends on the lab workload and any wait for insurance approval.
The results give a statistical estimate of the value of chemo and how likely the cancer is to recur after nine years if estrogen therapy (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors) is prescribed. The interpretation is also guided by age (over or under 50) and lymph node status. Initially my MO thought that I would need chemo but I was in the intermediate border zone (over 50 with an oncotype of 24) which predicted chemo would give a 2% advantage. My MO told me he would support whatever decision I made. I didn't think that the benefit for me was worth the possible side effects (some of which can be permanent) so I declined chemo. Others decide differently.
Currently there are not many clinical trials for early stage (1 or 2) ER+/HER2- breast cancer. The focus is on de escalating toxic treatment while preventing recurrence. I did investigate the PALAVY trial which is for stage 2/3 patients who have completed initial treatment and have dormant cancer cells in their bone marrow. I couldn't join because I cannot take one of the trial medications.
Statistical information cannot predict what will happen to you as an individual. In addition to the info from the Oncotype you need to consider other possible factors like close surgical margins and lymphovascular invasion if they showed up on your path report. Your MO should be able to calculate your statistical risk of recurrence and how much any proposed treatments will reduce that. Unfortunately there are no guarantees and all treatments have some risk of permanent side effects. It is up to you to decide what you are comfortable with. Waiting and finalizing your treatment decision is not easy. All the best.
0
