Onctotype / Mammaprint & other tests

Diagnosed with breast cancer Recently diagnosed with breast cancer
1

Hi all, 

 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 3 months ago. They originally had be as inflammatory breast cancer (IDC, ER 8/8, PR 8/8, Her2-, Grade 3) as I had redness and swelling around the tumor. They then downgraded it and said I just had irritated skin (?!). However, by then they had already booked me in for neoajduvant chemo (the protocol for IBC) and we never discussed any other options so I started chemo on March 23, which will be followed by surgery and radiation. 

 

This means we never discussed me having an Oncotype or similar test to just my benefit from chemo and risk of recurrence. I would really like one of these tests, as although the NHS only uses them to test for benefit of chemo, they actually give you a lot of other useful information that informations treatment. I know you can pay separately for these tests in America. 

 

My question is - has anyone paid for a genetic assay test like Oncotype, Mammaprint, Prosgina, Endopredict, etc? Did you organize it through your oncologist? Any advice much appreciated

3

Hi Phet

 

I didn’t pay for my oncotype but was offered it.  Some Nhs hospitals are funded for this and yes as-my surgeon informed me it does cost 2k plus and part of the tumour is sent of to California for 3 weeks.  Might be worth having a word with your surgeon/oncologist.  I was offered this at my first appointment after surgery.  Results were pretty low and rads and hormones tabs it was as would not benefit from chemo.  I am sure your meds team will be able to advise.   Hope all has/is going well for you.  ?