What is Oncotype DX testing?
Oncotype DX tests are genomic tests developed by Genomic Health, Inc., which is now affiliated with the company Exact Sciences. These tests help health workers predict the future activity of breast cancer [1], prostate cancer [2], or colon cancer [3].
Genomic tests function by observing the activity level of certain genes found in cancer cells. Researchers have identified certain gene alterations responsible for specific patterns of cancer development.
Health workers can use the results of your Oncotype DX test along with the results of other tests to predict:
- whether you will benefit from chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- the chances of your early-stage cancer returning in a distant part of your body
- Oncotype DX test procedure
- Oncotype DX tests analyze a small sample of cancer cells. The cells are obtained from cancer samples previously collected through a biopsy or surgery.