Oncotype DX® test

This test gives more information about the likelihood of your cancer coming back in the future.

What is the Oncotype DX® test?

The Oncotype DX® test looks at a sample of your breast cancer cells under a microscope. It examines the activity of a group of 21 genes in your tumour to give you a recurrence score. It can:

  • Give more information about the likelihood of your cancer coming back in the future
  • Help the medical oncologist decide whether chemotherapy may be effective for you

Who is the Oncotype DX® test useful for?

The Oncotype DX® test is only helpful if your breast cancer is:

  • Early stage 
  • Lymph node negative. This means that there are no cancer cells in your lymph nodes
  • Lymph node positive (with cancer cells in 1-3 lymph nodes)
  • Oestrogen receptor positive, also known as ER+ (the breast cancer is stimulated by the hormone oestrogen) and HER2 negative (the cancer does not have high levels of the HER2 protein)

How is the test done?

A sample of breast cancer tissue taken during your breast cancer surgery will be sent away for testing. Testing takes 10-14 days, after which you can discuss the results with your oncologist.

What does my recurrence score mean for me?

Recurrence scores can help to show how effective chemotherapy will be for you. It can help you to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy treatment. 

If your recurrence score is low, this means that there is a low chance of the disease coming back. It is unlikely that you will need chemotherapy but you will be offered hormone therapy.

If you have a high recurrence score, this means that there is a high risk or higher chance of the disease coming back. On the positive side, it also means that chemotherapy will work more effectively for you. You will most likely be offered chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

Can Oncotype DX® show if radiotherapy will help me?

No. Oncotype DX® will only tell you about the possible benefits of chemotherapy. The decision about radiotherapy will depend on the type of surgery you had. Your doctor will discuss your individual treatments with you in detail.


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We provide transport and limited financial grants (Travel2Care) for those in need who are in cancer treatment.
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