Optima trial.

Hi all I have read a few earlier posts. But would love some feedback. And maybe those that posted before could let me know what they decided. 

I have Stage 2 invasive breast cancer. 

I had a lumpectomy and full node clearance on the 29th October. 

Results showed 3 nodes involved. A CT scan showed a liver lesion and spinal lesion which turned out not to be metastatic. 

I need radiotherapy in breast neck and back of rib cage (is 3 lots 3x all at once or 9weks worth)

So alll the way through all of the doctors have said gear yourself up for chemo it's highly likely you will need it. Confirmed further my node involvement. 

I am still to see an oncologist. Just waiting on my first appointment. 

However they have now said I am most probably eligible for the OPTIMA. now I have to make a decision. When all along I've wanted the docs to tell me what to do. Shall I go for the trial. If I don't have chemo and then go on to have recurrance, I'm not sure I will be able to come to terms with the fact I didn't have chemo. 

How do we know that the trial is right?

So mind blowing dealing with cancer is hard enough. I'll stop ranting now thanks for reading x 

Xx

  • Hi, I hope you're okay!

    My mum was recently offered to be part of the OPTIMA trial (stage 2 invasive, grade 1/2, 1/10 nodes postive, ER/PR +, her2-). We decided to go against the trial as we would rather choose our own path than have it chosen for us. Our oncologist recommeded against chemo as the benefit using PREDICT was only 1-3%. However, we have decided to pay for the PROSIGNA test to help us confirm our decision, just waiting on the results now, hopefully on our next appointment on Wednesday. 

    Hope this helps, I'm sure you'll make the best desicion for you.

    Take care. 

  • Hi Anaphant, 

    I am in quite a similar situation as you were back in November last year. I have grade 3 invasive breast cancer oestrogen  positive her2 negative with only one lymph node being very slightly found to have cancer in.  I had a lumpectomy and full axillary node clearance on 14th March and have also been told right from the start to expect to have chemo. 
     

    However now I have also been offered this Prosigna/Optima trial and I have my appointment at the oncologist tomorrow to give her my decision. 
     

    I was wondering what you decided and if you feel it was right for you? I am the same as you were-  I just wish in a way I hadn't been given the option! If I had chemo apparently it would give me a 4% better chance of surviving after 5 years and 8% better chance after 10 years. This is what is confusing me as obviously if it gives me a better chance in surviving even if the percentages are really be low surely it makes more sense to have the chemo? I would kick myself if the cancer returned and I hadn't had chemo..... I'm so unsure as what to do. I'm also very wary of having chemo while this covid 19 disease is still rife
     

    It would be great to hear from you and what you decided etc. 
    thanks and I hope you are well. 
    Amanda. x

  • Hi Anaphant,

     

    Just seen your post, I am on the Optima trial which after testing they predicted that I would benefit from radiotherapy only. Personally I'm still not comfortable with the the decision, I had 3cm tumour with 2 lymph nodes effected. First diagnosed at 48yrs old. Wished that I was never given the option, it's a lot to ask of someone.

     

    Take care of yourself and if you feel comfortable please let us know how you got on. 

     

    k

  • Hello Peaberry

    I am thinking of going on the OPtima trial - been asked to go on it too 

     

    Got 2 lymph nodes positive and had 55mm tumour lobular cancer removed through surgery.

     

    Worried though that I may need chemo and not get it through the trial as not sure if the Prosigna test is definitve and can be trusted.

     

    How are you doing post treatment. In the end - did you take on any chemo ?

  • Hi Bobby786 and Peaberry

    I too have been offered inclusion into the Optima trial yesterday by my Oncologist and have been recommended Chemo, and I'm just on the cusp. I was told the benefit to me is 4% over 10 years using PREDICT (I'm Grade 2 invasive - 4 clustered tumours removed by lumpectomy totalling 450mm, 1/11 nodes postive, ER/PR +, her2-). I'm making my decision this weekend as I have to decide by Monday, so I'm very interested in what your decisions were and how you made them. 

    I'm 49 years old and my 50th birthday will be falling in the same week as my first Chemo cycle. Not that lockdown means I'll be doing much anyway but you couldn't make it up could you? Happy birthday to me! Having the COVID vaccine tomorrow which is at least some good news. Thanks, would appreciate hearing from anyone in the same position re: Optima. Z 

       

  • Hi Amanda

    Hope you're OK. I'm in exactly the same situation as you and wonder what you decided. I have my discussion next Tuesday.

    Thanks

    Mx

  • Hi Zeddy HK

     

    Am in the same situation as you were a few months back.  Yesterday had a telephone consulation with the oncologist (who is in Greece but somehow is part of the Kent Oncology Team!) my benefit over 10 years is 4% - I had a lumpectomy 23mm Grade 2 ER/PR+ HER2-.  He offered the Optima trial so am now madly trying to find out what people decided and if they were happy with their decision.  Would love to know what your thoughts are.

     

  • Hi

    I had a small grade 1 tumour 6mm, but 10mm wih DCIS and one lymph node at intitial surgery and then 0/9 in axillary node clearance. Mine was oestrogen pos and herc neg. I went for the trial and have been told no chemo. I am really pleased. Of course I will be worried about recurrence but was also very worried about impact of chemo.My predcit score for impact of chemo was 0.9%.