Experience of oncotype test

I'm new to the forum and have a question on the oncotype test. My daughter had a mastectomy on 10 December and one lymph node was found to have cells. She is hormone+, her2-  we had decided to self fund the Oncotype test however we are now not clear if this is only for people with clear lymph nodes .....does anyone have the same diagnosis who has had the Oncotype test. The Oncologist is a bit dismissive of the test?

  • Hi and thanks for the post

    I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's situation and can imagine it's difficult trying to process all the information . 

    The use of oncotype dx is now well established in people who are lymph node negative, whereas there is still ongoing research into it's efficacy in lymph node positive breast cancer patients. The oncotype test is sometimes used in patients with one positive node although this is not yet properly established. The reason for this is that  an important factor is age , as to whether you are pre or post menopausal, with some studies showing that premenopausal women who are lymph node positive, will benefit from chemotherapy regardless of their oncotype score. However, this is still being looked at.

    You can read some more information about the use of the oncotype test here on the Breast Cancer Now website

    It might be helpful for your daughter to ask the specialist again for some more specific details about her own situation , as there may be other important factors that may influence treatment such as size and grade of the tumour. There isn't always a 'one size fits all 'approach in the treatment of breast cancer and people will have different treatments depending on their situation.  This can cause confusion and anxiety .

    Some people decide to go for a second opinion if there is still some uncertainty or lack of clarity, or if your daughter is hesitant and has not been able to have a good chat about treatment options.

    I do hope your daughter gets to have a good discussion with her specialist or specialist nurse about this, as it's important that she is clear about the reasons as to why she will be having any treatment that may be suggested for her.

    Please do give us a ring if you would like to talk this through with one of us here on the helpline on Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the best

    Wanda

  • Hi 

    I have just done the same and paid for the Onco DX test as I have one positive node.

    I think originally it was done for node negative only , but is now used for up to three positive nodes.Apparently some trusts will fund if there are positive nodes , unfortunately mine didn't , though the Oncologist said he thinks it will be later this year.

    The test was suggested by him and when I asked what would he do , he said if it was his wife he would definately have the test done as it would save going through cgemotherapy if you know it won't be  effective so I went with his advise.

    I had my Onco DX results appointment today - unbelievably Fed Ex have lost the sample and it nver got to America so another sample has to be sent off again! Oncologist said he has never had this happen in ten years of ordering the test-just my luck 

    i still think its a good option xx