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What Is The Blood Test That Measures The Breast Cancer Gene?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Washington, DC

I had a blood test that the doctors said determined whether or not I would have to have chemotherapy. I scored a 14. Would someone tell me the name of that test? What is the highest score one could make that would be on a dangerous level?

November 7, 2012 (edited)
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A MyBCTeam Member

Just a clarification to your post. The Oncotype DX doesn't measure "the breast cancer gene." To find out if you carry the mutant BRACA1 or BRACA2 genes, you need to have your genes analyzed.

Oncotype DX looks at an array of genetic activities (which genes are turned on or off in the tumor sample) and is a useful test only if your tumor has been deemed to be estrogen positive and HER2 negative. It tells you the likelihood that your cancer will spread if no chemotherapy is given.

November 11, 2012
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi @A MyBCTeam Member, Well I went to the hospitaal and found out that the test was called Oncotype DX. The persons who are at high risk of cancer recurrence have numbers ranging from 31 to 50. Fortunately, my number is on the low risk end of the spectrum at 14 with only 9% chance that the cancer should recur. The node was negative. Therefore, I didn't need chemo. It was because of you that I went and pursued answers. Everything is explained in such technical terms by the physician, I needed the document with a graph before me so that I can have a visual picture of what the doctor was referencing. I am glad I had a positive effect on you Jamie. We're all in this thing together. Hang in there! Have a great day.

November 8, 2012 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

Ms. Barbara, I am glad I could help I was just returning the favor! Your kind words have comforted me and actually made me believe I can do this treatment. All the information that has been thrown at me has been overwhelming.Thankfully, after my biopsy came back, my nurse composed a folder that breaks the stages down and what to expect for the most part. Oh, she also gave me a small tablet and matching pen to keep track of any questions or concerns I had with anything and everything. I loved my little book! It helped a lot. I kept docs numbers and appointments in it. And then one day, my house ate it!!! lol I have to start a new one. I'm wanting to keep it for my kids. Since I carry the gene there is a higher possibility that I have passed it to them. Hopefully not but if I have I'm trying to keep documentation of how the day to day goes so they kinda know what to expect and how to catch it early like I did. Ms. Barbara I send you big HUGS and want you to know I appreciate everything you have done for me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

November 8, 2012
A MyBCTeam Member

Oncotype testing (Genotype) tells the doctors what type of therapy you should have. Since everyone is different, a score under 17 does not require chemotherapy. Between 17 and 31, they look at your genetics and of course some type amount of chemo would be required if the numbers were high. Above 31 would mean definite chemo. This is what the genotype lab explained to me.

September 18, 2013
A MyBCTeam Member

You will need to consult with a genetic specialist. Usually oncologist office will have a genetic specialist working there.

March 2, 2013

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