Genomic Testing During Breast Cancer: When is Testing Recommended?

Discover everything you need to know about genomic testing for early-stage breast cancer with Dr. Jennifer Griggs. Learn about Oncotype Dx, EndoPredict, MammaPrint, Prosigna, Oncotype DX DCIS Score, and the Breast Cancer Index, and how to determine the right test for you. Gain insights on their impact on your treatment plan in this essential video guide.
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Disclaimer: Yerbba KZbin videos are for informational purposes only, do not constitute medical advice, and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical team, mental health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

[@quasimodem5260]

I’m in Canada so this is covered by our health system, there is no waiting for insurance to approve. This shortens the waiting time because I was told we could contact the company and ask for turnaround times. You can also sign a waiver and get it emailed to you. Ironically there are no labs in Canada that do this so my tumour was shipped to California. Bout a week, got mine in 4 days of them having it. When my oncologist opened my file , I knew my score and was prepared with the relevant questions. Although they sent my biopsy, they didn’t do so till after the lumpectomy. One micrometastic node, post menopausal, grade 2, stage 2. Onco score 9. So glad we live in the day and age we do. Thanks so much for your presentations. It means so much. Loved the explanation on the difference between genomic and genetic.

[@cristinagoedecker3432]

Did you decide to go for chemotherapy?

[@AnneS508]

I'm in Ontario Canada, and government would not cover it because tumour was smaller than 1 cm (dcis invasive, stage 1, grade 1, no nodes). It still bothers me not to have had this.

[@yerbba]

It's heartening to hear about the efficient process and support provided by the Canadian health system, making crucial tests like these more accessible. Your proactive approach in managing your care, from understanding your Oncotype DX score to preparing questions for your oncologist, is truly commendable. Thank you for watching!

[@luticia]

I learn a lot from you. Thank you.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and being part of our community!

[@user-gq5cn6wv9l]

Thank you, Dr. Griggs. Highly informative!

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching! We're glad you found this video helpful!

[@donnabradley4577]

Thank you for this information! I was curious about the Breast Cancer Index and now you have answered my questions.

[@yerbba]

You're welcome! We're glad to hear you found this information helpful!

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, Dr. Griggs, for your continuous support of breast cancer patients.

[@yerbba]

Thank you very much for your kind words. Your support means a lot to us!

[@youcamille]

Can you do the Breast Cancer Index before the 5 year mark, or right away, so that you can see how long you will need treatment in advance? It would help me with expectations.

[@yerbba]

The test has been validated in people who are disease free after five years. These people are different from "all comers." At some point, it is likely that the indication will be expanded.

[@ctmom2114]

Insurance refused to cover the OncotypeDX genomic assay. We fought it, appealed, etc. Nope, no go. They insisted that it was genetic testing. My efforts to explain that it isn't were futile. Fortunately, the company wrote it off, which was a real blessing.

[@yerbba]

It's disheartening to hear about the challenges you faced with insurance coverage for the Oncotype DX assay, especially during a time when your energy is best focused on healing. It's fortunate that the company stepped in to support you by writing off the cost. Wishing you wellness on your journey ahead.

[@mmbhc233]

Dr please reply..can we take iron supplements during chemotherapy treatment???

[@yerbba]

Taking iron during chemotherapy is safe but should only be taken if someone is iron deficient or under treatment from a medical provider.

[@Rosalicious297]

Dr Griggs I have found your videos to be the most useful and interesting videos on BC on the web however I am in London UK so a lot of information regarding insurance is not relevant to us! This CAN be a problem however as the NHS in the UK have a policy whereby a Grade 1 tumour will never have genomic testing - I assume because of cost. Is it standard to do, say an Oncotype DX assay on a Grade 1 Er+ IDC in the USA and do you recommend them? Or is it assumed that chemo will be of no value therefore the patient will never get a recurrence score? Thank you.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing the UK experience. Grade 1 tumors have a low risk of recurrence and respond so well to endocrine therapy. The OncotypeDX and other genomic assays help oncologists decide whether chemotherapy offers benefit. Most people with grade 1 tumors have a low score, and thus the test(s) are not particularly helpful in creating a treatment plan.

[@rebeccaherder8296]

My oncotype and mammaprint scores indicated high risk of recurrence. Did chemo and radiation and endocrine therapy and verzenio. Still scared of recurrence.

[@yerbba]

It's hard not to be scared of recurrence. Perhaps it's helpful to know that the treatment you received is effective in people with higher scores. You may also want to check out our videos on managing fears of recurrence: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWPXgWqXh7yFaqM.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

Thank you for interesting video. Why are these tests not done for HER +ve. Is it because chemotherapy is always recommended? If so why?

[@yerbba]

Chemotherapy and targeted therapy part of the treatment plan in people with HER2-positive breast cancer because without them, the risk of recurrence is much higher. In people with HER2-positive breast cancer, the recurrence score is always "high."

[@selfofthephalanx]

Thank you for presenting this information so well. I have a question on the Mammaprint versus the Oncotype DX. Is there a particular reason why many people are hesitant to use Mammaprint to make a determination on whether chemotherapy should be used and why do they not have the same hesitation with using Oncotype DX for this purpose?

[@yerbba]

The preference for the OncotypeDX test is likely due to the fact that there is substantially more data, which has increased comfort with and confidence with the OncotypeDX results.

[@cristinagoedecker3432]

Hi Dr. Griggs, My husband have a breast cancer diagnosis. He had a lumpectomy. He is Hers negative, also hormone receptor positive and had 1 lymph nodes positive for cancer too. His genoma Dx test came back with score 9, but the doctor keep saying that she recommend chemotherapy, since there is not a lot of data for man. He is 45 years old. What do you think about not doing chemotherapy in his case? Thank you!

[@yerbba]

It is indeed difficult in men to know how well different tests function. Nonetheless, it is possible that the benefit of chemotherapy is low. Further discussion with your husband's oncologist may be helpful.

[@shirley996]

Can you talk about how to reduce anemia during chemotherapy? Perhaps by eating certain foods?

[@yerbba]

Anemia is not a major problem for most people on chemotherapy and often does not need to be treated. In people who do become anemic and have symptoms of anemia, the best treatment is a blood transfusion. If someone is iron deficient, iron containing foods or supplements are important. Check out our video on anemia here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jomleIyEfJqXZs0.

[@libasekhasbynaheedsultana4422]

Hi.i m in breast cancer 1st stGe age 40 want to know how much time it ll take to recover menstrual cycle

[@yerbba]

In general, it can take up to a year for periods to resume. For people over 40, many will not have their menstrual periods again. This does not mean that someone cannot get pregnant, so it's important to use birth control, especially on endocrine therapy.

[@user-xz7zf8ht7q]

In India we have test called can assist test, can u plz make video on this.

[@chetnakalelkar6700]

Hi,can you elaborate on this test. I am in india.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the suggestion. We'll add it to our list.

[@chetnakalelkar6700]

Very informative. These tests may predict re-uccerance based on genetics and give the percentage but doesn't lifestyle management and decreasing all the triggers for your cells to go haywire more important than genetics? Getting cancer is an wakeup call.We cannot change our genes but certainly can change our lifestyle.So how does these tests ultimately help? Thanks for your videos which are very simple, interesting and learning.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for the feedback. In addition to lifestyle changes, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy can decrease the risk of recurrence. Genomic assays can help make decisions about whether chemotherapy are going to be helpful. If not, how good not to receive it.

[@chetnakalelkar6700]

@@yerbba thanks for the clarifications and insight . Your videos are very simple but so informative allaying so many fears about cancer.

[@scgraves98]

Why does the oncotype take SO LONG to get results?!

[@yerbba]

The 21-gene assay (brand name: OncotypeDX) takes 14 days due to the detailed genetic analysis required. It’s designed to help predict cancer recurrence risk and whether you'd benefit from chemotherapy, making the wait frustrating but potentially very beneficial for personalizing your treatment. If insurance takes a while to approve the test, this can add additional time.

[@Kongszeman]

😊

[@yerbba]

Thanks for watching!