An Onco score, specifically the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score, is a numerical result from a genomic test that estimates the likelihood of breast cancer returning and predicts the benefit from chemotherapy in addition to hormone therapy. This score ranges from 0 to 100.
The Oncotype DX test analyzes the activity of 21 genes from a sample of the breast cancer tumor. This analysis helps doctors tailor treatment plans for individuals with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
Here's a breakdown of what the score indicates:
- Recurrence Prediction: A higher score suggests a greater chance of the cancer returning after initial treatment.
- Chemotherapy Benefit: A higher score often indicates a greater potential benefit from adding chemotherapy to hormone therapy.
In essence, the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score provides personalized information to help patients and their doctors make informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment strategies. The higher the score, the more likely recurrence and potential benefit from chemotherapy.
