Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/85232
Genomics is the study of complex sets of genes, their functions, and how they interact with one another. that the knowledge of the Oncotype DX test result changes treatment recommendations in patients with oestrogen receptor positive invasive early-stage breast cancer by 30% on average. How does the test work? The Oncotype DX is a multi-gene test which is used to enable oncologists and their patients diagnosed with oestrogen receptor positive invasive early- stage breast cancer to assess the likelihood of the breast cancer recurring and predict the benefit of chemotherapy. HOW COMMON IS GENOMIC TESTING? Today, more than 300,000 patients worldwide have benefited from the information provided by this test. Multiple studies from different countries have shown that the knowledge of the Oncotype DX test's Recurrence Score result changes oncologist treatment recommendations in about 30 % of their patients with invasive early-stage breast cancer. The Oncotype DX test for invasive breast cancer is incorporated in international clinical treatment guidelines for node-negative (no spread of cancer to the lymph nodes in the armpit), oestrogen-receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive invasive breast cancer patients issued by ASCO®, NCCN® and St. Gallen and is also included by ESMO*. For more information on whether the Oncotype DX is recommended in your situation, ask your oncologist. This test is carried out by Genomic Health in the USA and is currently not funded in New Zealand. To learn about patients who have used genomic testing to personalize their breast cancer treatment, visit: www. mybreastcancertreatment.org or call 1-866- 662-6897. *ASCO, NCCN, and ESMO are trademarks of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and the European Society for Medical Oncology, respectively. ASCO, NCCN, St. Gallen and ESMO do not endorse any product or therapy. What is genomics?