The Role of Genomic Medicine
The Oncotype DX® breast cancer test* is based on genomic science. While genomics and genetics may sound similar, and are indeed related, they focus on different information.
Broadly speaking, genetics is the study of how inherited traits are passed from one generation to the next through the genes, and how new traits appear by way of genetic mutations or changes. These traits may be characteristics like eye or hair color.
A predisposition to certain types of diseases can also be passed through the genes. For example, inherited changes to BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved in many cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. There are tests for women to find out if they have inherited a higher risk of developing breast cancer through the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
These genetic tests are completely different from Oncotype DX, which is a genomic test. The Oncotype DX test does not provide information about a person's inherited genetic makeup. Instead, it analyzes certain genes in a patient's breast cancer tumor to understand how they interact and function since this activity can influence how a cancer is likely to grow and respond to treatment.
*Note: Validation studies have already been performed on the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Assay for patients with pre-invasive or DCIS, node-negative and node-positive, estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer; for single gene reporting quantitative of ER (estrogen receptor), PR (progesterone receptor negative) and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) genes, and for patients treated with Tamoxifen or an Aromatase Inhibitor. The Oncotype DX breast cancer tests are currently commercially available. For detailed information please call: (866) ONCOTYPE or visit www.oncotypedx.com