Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test

Book a Oncotype Dx Breast Cancer with MAX@Home by Max Hospitals

Get a CALLBACK from our
Health Advisor

About Oncotype Dx Cancer Test

Oncotype Dx is currently the only tumour profiling test incorporated into breast cancer staging. It is used for tumors that are ER-positive, HER2-negative and have not spread to the lymph nodes. The Oncotype Dx test results, combined with other diagnostic data, assist in determining the stage of breast cancer.

Furthermore, it provides valuable insight into: -

The likelihood of cancer metastasizing to other organs in the future.
It helps determine whether combining chemotherapy with hormone therapy could offer additional benefits.

What Makes Oncotype DX Different?

Oncotype DX is not a diagnostic test. It does not diagnose cancer. Rather, it is a prognostic and predictive test. That is, it predicts the risk of recurrence of breast cancer in 10 years from the time of first diagnosis and whether chemotherapy is likely to be helpful in addition to hormone therapy. The test compares the expression of 21 genes (16 cancer and 5 reference genes) of the tumor sample through RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction). Depending on the activity of the genes, a Recurrence Score (RS) of 0 to 100 is produced.

Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test: Do I Need Chemotherapy or Not?

A Genomic Test That Tailors Breast Cancer Treatment When diagnosed with an early-stage breast cancer, one of the hardest choices is whether or not to have chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy is an effective treatment, it has side effects and long-term health effects that may not be the case for all patients. The Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test addresses this urgent question directly. It's a genomic test that examines the functioning of certain genes in your breast cancer tumor and delivers a Recurrence Score that forecasts the odds of recurrence of cancer—and whether chemotherapy will benefit preventing recurrence. This test is recommended for patients with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative, and lymph node-negative or limited node-positive (1–3 nodes) breast cancer. Unlike traditional staging methods that look at tumor size and spread, Oncotype DX examines the genetic profile of your cancer, providing a clearer and more personalized view of your treatment needs.

Recurrence Score (RS) Interpretation

Your RS will help your oncologist determine the most appropriate approach. Here's how to interpret it: For Postmenopausal Women: RS 0-25: Chemotherapy is unlikely to be of value. Hormonal therapy alone might suffice. RS 26 and above: Chemotherapy could be of value alongside hormonal therapy. For Premenopausal Women: RS 0-15: Chemotherapy is not indicated. RS 16-25: Chemotherapy can be considered, especially in women younger than 50. RS 26 and above: Chemotherapy is indicated. Your result is not an absolute order; it is a strong tool to assist you and your physician in making a well-informed decision based on your age, health, tolerance for risk, and treatment objectives.

Who Is a Candidate for Oncotype DX Cancer Test?

This test is best suited for women who: Have Stage I or II invasive breast cancer Have HR-positive and HER2-negative tumors Have no lymph node involvement or only minimal (1-3 nodes) involvement Uncertain about chemotherapy benefit Physicians can order Oncotype DX prior to initiating any systemic treatment, as it identifies if chemotherapy is required or not.

Sample Collection and Onco Type DX Breast Cancer Test Process

Tumor tissue is typically obtained from the biopsy or surgical specimen (lumpectomy or mastectomy). No further procedure is required. The sample is transported to a central laboratory for examination. Results are usually ready in 3 weeks.

The Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test Benefits

Personalized decision-making: Assists in whether or not chemotherapy is needed.
Avoid overtreatment: Avoids unnecessary chemotherapy and side effects if it will not provide further benefit.
Improved outcomes: Long-term survivorship by enabling better treatment planning
Confidence and peace of mind: Makes the treatment decision more science-based and less uncertain.

Onco Type DX Breast Cancer Test Cost and Insurance In India

The cost of Oncotype DX ranges between INR 2.5 to 3.5 lakhs, depending on the provider and logistics. Some private health insurance policies may offer partial or full reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider in advance.

Other Tests That May Be Recommended in Addition

Even though Oncotype DX is the most well-validated and best-represented genomic test within this category, oncologists might also think about ordering the following tests: MammaPrint – 70-gene signature test to predict risk of breast cancer recurrence. Ki-67 – Protein marker to assess cell proliferation rate. BRCA1/2 or Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Panel – Particularly for a strong family history of cancer. Yet, Oncotype DX is alone in its prediction of benefit from chemotherapy and is thus the treatment of choice in most eligible situations.

What Oncotype DX Cancer Test Doesn't Tell You?

It doesn't apply to HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer. It is not suitable for metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer. It doesn't replace the necessity for conventional staging or receptor testing.

Detailed Interpretation of the Report

The Oncotype DX report usually consists of three parts:

Recurrence Score Result: Indicates your result between 0 and 100.
Estimated Risk of Distant Recurrence: Provides a percentage risk of recurrence of cancer in 9 years if given hormonal therapy alone.
Chemotherapy Benefit Prediction: States whether chemotherapy lowered the risk of recurrence by a great extent.

Recurrence Score	Risk of Recurrence	Chemotherapy Benefit
0 - 10	Very Low	Not Beneficial
11 - 17	Low	Likely Not Beneficial
18 - 25	Intermediate	Benefit Possible, especially in younger patients
26 - 100	High	Chemotherapy Recommended

This score is utilized along with clinical factors such as age, tumor size, and grade to inform treatment decisions.

What Happens After the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test?

After the test result comes back: Your oncologist will discuss your Recurrence Score with you and discuss your options. If you have a low score, you can be spared chemotherapy and treated with hormonal therapy alone. If your result is high, you and your care team can schedule chemotherapy ahead of time. Either way, the clarity this test brings can significantly minimize anxiety and maximize confidence in your treatment plan.

Making Genomic Testing Accessible At MAX@Home, we know what it's like to be overwhelmed by a diagnosis of cancer. Our clinical coordinators take care of every step of the Oncotype DX test—from sample collection to report delivery—with the greatest care and attention. What we do guarantees the least disruption to your lifestyle while still allowing high-quality decision-making from the most up-to-date scientific evidence.

Disclaimer:

The information given here is for general purposes only and is not to be used as medical consultation or an alternative to professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or oncologist to decide the best course of treatment for your specific case.