Evidence on Genomic Tests
2011

Use of Oncotype DX in Women with Node-Positive Breast Cancer

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Ishibe Naoko, Scully Sheri, Freedman Andrew, Ramsey Scott David

Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, NIH

Hypothesis

Can Oncotype DX accurately assess the risk of disease recurrence in women with lymph node-positive breast cancer?

Conclusion

There is currently insufficient evidence to determine the clinical validity or utility of Oncotype DX in predicting breast cancer recurrence in women with node-positive breast cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • Oncotype DX analyzes the expression of 21 genes to determine a recurrence score.
  • Women with low recurrence scores may avoid unnecessary chemotherapy.
  • Current data cannot confirm if Oncotype DX improves health outcomes compared to standard methods.

Takeaway

Oncotype DX is a test that looks at genes in breast cancer tumors to help decide if chemotherapy is needed, but we don't know if it works well for women with certain types of breast cancer.

Methodology

The study reviewed published literature on the analytic validity, clinical validity, and clinical utility of Oncotype DX.

Limitations

No data clearly demonstrating clinical utility of Oncotype DX in women with lymph node-positive breast cancer.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/currents.RRN1249

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