What is one of the primary uses of the oncotype DX test in breast cancer care?

The Oncotype DX test is primarily utilized to evaluate potential recurrence risk in patients with certain types of breast cancer, particularly those with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, and node-negative disease. This genomic test analyzes a group of cancer-related genes to provide a recurrence score, which helps clinicians predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence after treatment.

By measuring the activity of specific genes, the test can inform treatment decisions, particularly regarding the necessity and potential benefit of chemotherapy in addition to hormone therapy. High recurrence scores may suggest a greater likelihood of benefit from chemotherapy, while lower scores may indicate that chemotherapy may not be necessary. This test supports personalized treatment plans by allowing healthcare providers to tailor interventions based on the individual risk profile of the patient, thus optimizing care and potentially reducing unnecessary treatments.