NewsRx.com
November 20, 2008
Genomic Health, Inc. announced the publication of results from a study indicating that Oncotype DX(R) Recurrence Score(R) results impact the way physicians treat early-stage breast cancer. The study, published in the October issue of the American Journal of Surgery, showed that treatment changed as a result of Oncotype DX in 44 percent of patients with node- negative estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
"The results of this study confirm that the decision to administer chemotherapy in node-negative estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients should no longer be based solely on traditional clinical and pathologic criteria, but also by integrating the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score into the decision," Paul Tartter, M.D., St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York.
The study investigators completed a retrospective chart review of 85 consecutive patients with node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who had used the Oncotype DX breast cancer assay. Patients were divided into three risk categories based on the Recurrence Score result. Researchers compared treatment recommendations made utilizing the Recurrence Score result to recommendations made based on the 2007 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines before Oncotype DX was incorporated into those guidelines.
Results showed that the Oncotype DX assay result influenced recommendations concerning chemotherapy in 37 patients (44 percent). Thirty- three patients who would have received a recommendation for chemotherapy based on the 2007 NCCN guidelines received a recommendation for hormone therapy alone based on their Oncotype DX Recurrence Score of less than 18. Conversely, and notably, four patients who would have received a recommendation against chemotherapy based on the 2007 NCCN guidelines were placed in the high-risk group based on their Recurrence Score of greater than 31 and received a recommendation for chemotherapy.
"As more physicians incorporate Oncotype DX into clinical practice, we gain important insight into its impact on the treatment decision process for physicians and patients," said Steven Shak, M.D., chief medical officer of Genomic Health. "There are now seven studies, conducted by independent physicians who use the test in clinical practice, demonstrating that Oncotype DX optimizes the use of chemotherapy to ensure those women who need chemotherapy get it, while sparing those who are not likely to benefit from its side effects and high costs."
Copyright 2008, Physician Law Weekly via NewsRx.com
