Oncotype D-X Gene Test May Eliminate Chemotherapy for Some Breast Cancer

"We know that if you're node negative, you may or may not benefit from additional chemotherapy. So, if you're estrogen receptor positive and node negative, you may be a candidate for this particular test," said breast cancer expert Dr. Ramona Swaby. The gene test, called Oncotype D-X, tests the activity of breast cancer genes, and results in a recurrence score. The test is done using a sample of the tumor tissue, to yield a score of low, medium, or high for breast cancer recurrence. If you've had a lumpectomy or mastectomy with clear margins for breast cancer, and if your lymph nodes are clear of cancer, and the cancer is fueled by estrogen, you may not need chemotherapy or radiation.

• Test could eliminate the need for chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment
• Hormone Receptor Status and Diagnosis - Estogen and Progesterone