Oncotyping rating

vickiek811
vickiek811 Member Posts: 20
in Breast Cancer #1

Does anyone know what the number is for the oncotyping rating when doctors are looking at possible chemo?  I thought my oncologist said it had to be over 30% for chemo to be recommended.  I'm just wondering if there is a recommended number I should focus on.  I meet with the oncologist tomorrow and I'm already building up tons of anxiety.  Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #2
    Hi Vicki

    hi Vicki, I understand that waiting is hard, however please keep an open mind About outcome of the test.

    Chemo is not the end of the world, if your doctor believes in benefit for you, prepare yourself to deal with it. Handling stress is very importan, please take anti anxiety Meds. We all have to take them from time to time.

    good luck tomorrow 

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #3
    oncotype scoring

    oncotype score comes back as zero to 100, 10 or less is no chemo, 30 or more is chemo, between 10 and 30 is the grey area where decisions need to be made.

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #4
    Puffin2014 said:

    oncotype scoring

    oncotype score comes back as zero to 100, 10 or less is no chemo, 30 or more is chemo, between 10 and 30 is the grey area where decisions need to be made.

    Puffin .. Thanks for this information ---

    Vicki Sam

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #5
    Puffin2014 said:

    oncotype scoring

    oncotype score comes back as zero to 100, 10 or less is no chemo, 30 or more is chemo, between 10 and 30 is the grey area where decisions need to be made.

    Puffin .. Thanks for this information ---

    Vicki Sam

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #6
    VickiSam said:

    Puffin .. Thanks for this information ---

    Vicki Sam

    in my thoughts today

    You're in my thoughts today, either take someone with you or record the session on your smart phone, or do both. It really helps to be able to listen to the session again later - Dr always covers so much so fast.

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #7
    I didn't do Oncotype

    My cancer was too advanced for oncotyping, but I can understand your anxiety. Try to remember that no matter how much you worry, it's not going to change the results of any test. What you CAN do is promise yourself to fight hard and use any means to beat this terrible disease even if that means chemo. You are being very proactive, and that will get you far. I hope you have a merry Christmas even though times are hard right now I know. Hugs, Anna

  • cati0314
    cati0314 Member Posts: 203
    #8
    Onco typing

    Hi Vickie,

     

    I wouldn't worry about the number either.  I didn't even know about it when my cancer was diagnosed.  I knew my team would recommend the best course of treatment for me.  I had a very large aggressive tumor.  I understand that you may feel if your # is low you have a better chance.  I wanted the chemo no matter what.  Fight with all you have available to you.  

     

    Best. Sharon

     

     

     

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #9
    cati0314 said:

    Onco typing

    Hi Vickie,

     

    I wouldn't worry about the number either.  I didn't even know about it when my cancer was diagnosed.  I knew my team would recommend the best course of treatment for me.  I had a very large aggressive tumor.  I understand that you may feel if your # is low you have a better chance.  I wanted the chemo no matter what.  Fight with all you have available to you.  

     

    Best. Sharon

     

     

     

    low onco score

    Sharon, a low onco score is supposed to mean that the tumor is not very responsive to chemo and therefore chemo is not indicated. And if the score ends up in the gray zone, many oncologists don't really give an indication of what you should do, they say it's your decision.

     

  • vickiek811
    vickiek811 Member Posts: 20
    #10
    Thank you!

    Thank you, everyone, for all of your responses.  I know I am knew here, but everyone's story is different from the others and experiences vary from person to person.  So, I appreciate the advice, recommendations, suggestions, and support.  I am glad to be part of a community who cares for the well-being of others and is not critical of the prcoess one goes through.

    I received my score - 18.  My oncologist does not recommend chemo for the two types of cancer I have.  He recommends to continue with the original treatment plan (30 rounds of radiation, 5 years of Tamoxifen, and then changing to another HT medication for the next five years after the five years on Tamoxifen).  My rating showed only a 2% difference for chemo to be effective and he felt it was not large enough of a differential rating to advise on chemo.  I am fine with that.  They will continue to scan the other areas where there showed suspicious growths.  He also would like me to go for the Genetic test, which he said may eventually change the plan for surgery.  I am still waiting for the Geneticist to call for an appointment, I will follow up with the nurse navigator to see why no one has called me.

    New Flower - Although I appreciate your advice and bluntness, situational anxiety does not always warrant medication.  I see it every day at work with clients medicated for a variety of reasons and it is not always appropriate.  I have already discussed it with several of my doctors and they are all in agreement that situational anxiety and situational depression does not constitute the need for meds in every issue.  My question was only about the rating of oncotyping because I have read several websites that offered different ratings, my oncologist told me the numbers, but I wanted to learn from others in a large-scale setting what their ideas are.  I am kind of surprised how readily you recommend anxiety medication, are you in the medical or mental health profession?  While working in mental health, we always look at all other options first before relying solely on medication for a person to overcome some kind of fear, especially when it is considered situational.  So, since I am just learning about all of this cancer stuff, and it is all new to me, I was just wondering if you work or have worked in the either profession in order to make that determination.  I have to admit, it kind of threw me for a loop and I felt very unsupported by the comment, one reason I did not respond and actually avoided this forum for the past day.

    Thank you for the responses and support.  I know my cancer may not be as severe as some others on here, but cancer is cancer, and there is a battle to fight and to win no matter what kind it is or how bad it is.  I actually felt bad when the oncologist walked into the room and said, "I have good news for you."  When I heard I did not need chemo, I was also overcome with sadness because so many of you must have it.  Yes, I was happy it is not part of my current treatment plan, it may be down in the future, if another type of cancer were to surface, but for now.... this is what it is and although I am happy for my outcome (of course, I still have a long road of radiation ahead with numerous side effects because of not only radiation, but also another medical condition I have), I am saddened that I was happy at the result when so many others at the same exact time got more devastating news.  I am so sorry for that.  I hope everyone has a good night.

  • vickiek811
    vickiek811 Member Posts: 20
    #11
    Puffin2014 said:

    in my thoughts today

    You're in my thoughts today, either take someone with you or record the session on your smart phone, or do both. It really helps to be able to listen to the session again later - Dr always covers so much so fast.

    Thank you, Puffin2014

    I had my mother come with me.  There definitely was a lot of information discussed, I think I got it all.  Wink

  • vickiek811
    vickiek811 Member Posts: 20
    #12
    cati0314 said:

    Onco typing

    Hi Vickie,

     

    I wouldn't worry about the number either.  I didn't even know about it when my cancer was diagnosed.  I knew my team would recommend the best course of treatment for me.  I had a very large aggressive tumor.  I understand that you may feel if your # is low you have a better chance.  I wanted the chemo no matter what.  Fight with all you have available to you.  

     

    Best. Sharon

     

     

     

    Hi Sharon

    Thank you for your reply.  My mom did not have this luxury available to her when she had her ovarian cancer, 30 years ago.  The oncotyping has only been around since 2003 or something like that, so not too long.  I do not want to rely on the score, but I know with the types of cancer I have, it is typically not effective.  The oncologist just wanted to double check his recommendation before making a final decision.  It's not that I feel if it is lower I have a better chance, but if it will not be effective for my type of cancers, why do it?  I would rather target the cancer with what will be effective instead of pushing treatment off that will work in order to start something that will not be effective.  Does that make sense?  If my doctor came back with chemo as a recommendation, I surely would start it and not think twice, but now I know it will not do anything for my types of cancer or the recurrence of it.  Radiation and hormone therapy are the two that will work the best for me.  I just wanted to understand the rating a little better before going to the appointment and being confused when speaking with the doctor.  I trust his judgment, everyone at MD Anderson has been nothing less than perfect with my diagnosis, recommendations, etc., and I believe they will be the same for treatment as well (I hope).  Thanks again for your reply, it does help to hear other's opinions and know that I am not alone and it is so important to learn and understand all there is to know about yourself, your diagnosis, and your personal options.  It makes all the difference in the world, I think.  Laughing

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #13
    vickiek811 said:

    Thank you!

    Thank you, everyone, for all of your responses.  I know I am knew here, but everyone's story is different from the others and experiences vary from person to person.  So, I appreciate the advice, recommendations, suggestions, and support.  I am glad to be part of a community who cares for the well-being of others and is not critical of the prcoess one goes through.

    I received my score - 18.  My oncologist does not recommend chemo for the two types of cancer I have.  He recommends to continue with the original treatment plan (30 rounds of radiation, 5 years of Tamoxifen, and then changing to another HT medication for the next five years after the five years on Tamoxifen).  My rating showed only a 2% difference for chemo to be effective and he felt it was not large enough of a differential rating to advise on chemo.  I am fine with that.  They will continue to scan the other areas where there showed suspicious growths.  He also would like me to go for the Genetic test, which he said may eventually change the plan for surgery.  I am still waiting for the Geneticist to call for an appointment, I will follow up with the nurse navigator to see why no one has called me.

    New Flower - Although I appreciate your advice and bluntness, situational anxiety does not always warrant medication.  I see it every day at work with clients medicated for a variety of reasons and it is not always appropriate.  I have already discussed it with several of my doctors and they are all in agreement that situational anxiety and situational depression does not constitute the need for meds in every issue.  My question was only about the rating of oncotyping because I have read several websites that offered different ratings, my oncologist told me the numbers, but I wanted to learn from others in a large-scale setting what their ideas are.  I am kind of surprised how readily you recommend anxiety medication, are you in the medical or mental health profession?  While working in mental health, we always look at all other options first before relying solely on medication for a person to overcome some kind of fear, especially when it is considered situational.  So, since I am just learning about all of this cancer stuff, and it is all new to me, I was just wondering if you work or have worked in the either profession in order to make that determination.  I have to admit, it kind of threw me for a loop and I felt very unsupported by the comment, one reason I did not respond and actually avoided this forum for the past day.

    Thank you for the responses and support.  I know my cancer may not be as severe as some others on here, but cancer is cancer, and there is a battle to fight and to win no matter what kind it is or how bad it is.  I actually felt bad when the oncologist walked into the room and said, "I have good news for you."  When I heard I did not need chemo, I was also overcome with sadness because so many of you must have it.  Yes, I was happy it is not part of my current treatment plan, it may be down in the future, if another type of cancer were to surface, but for now.... this is what it is and although I am happy for my outcome (of course, I still have a long road of radiation ahead with numerous side effects because of not only radiation, but also another medical condition I have), I am saddened that I was happy at the result when so many others at the same exact time got more devastating news.  I am so sorry for that.  I hope everyone has a good night.

    Vicki congratulations - good news

    Hi Vicki,

    I am very happy that you score came out low and you can continue with your original plan.

    I am really sorry that my sincere suggestion offended you. My hope was to support you, nothing else.

    I wish you a very successful treatment and the best.

     

  • cati0314
    cati0314 Member Posts: 203
    #14
    Puffin2014 said:

    low onco score

    Sharon, a low onco score is supposed to mean that the tumor is not very responsive to chemo and therefore chemo is not indicated. And if the score ends up in the gray zone, many oncologists don't really give an indication of what you should do, they say it's your decision.

     

    onco score

    Hi Puffin,  I honestly thought that a low score was good.  My mistake.  I went to MD Andersen but they did not do the test.  I didn't know it existed.  Is a high score considered a positive as chemo would be indicated and is an additional treatment?

     

    Thanks,

    Sharon

  • cati0314
    cati0314 Member Posts: 203
    #15
    vickiek811 said:

    Hi Sharon

    Thank you for your reply.  My mom did not have this luxury available to her when she had her ovarian cancer, 30 years ago.  The oncotyping has only been around since 2003 or something like that, so not too long.  I do not want to rely on the score, but I know with the types of cancer I have, it is typically not effective.  The oncologist just wanted to double check his recommendation before making a final decision.  It's not that I feel if it is lower I have a better chance, but if it will not be effective for my type of cancers, why do it?  I would rather target the cancer with what will be effective instead of pushing treatment off that will work in order to start something that will not be effective.  Does that make sense?  If my doctor came back with chemo as a recommendation, I surely would start it and not think twice, but now I know it will not do anything for my types of cancer or the recurrence of it.  Radiation and hormone therapy are the two that will work the best for me.  I just wanted to understand the rating a little better before going to the appointment and being confused when speaking with the doctor.  I trust his judgment, everyone at MD Anderson has been nothing less than perfect with my diagnosis, recommendations, etc., and I believe they will be the same for treatment as well (I hope).  Thanks again for your reply, it does help to hear other's opinions and know that I am not alone and it is so important to learn and understand all there is to know about yourself, your diagnosis, and your personal options.  It makes all the difference in the world, I think.  Laughing

    Hi Vickie

    I guess we're all learning a little something.  Thanks for your answer and I wish you the very best possible outcome!

     

    Best,

    Sharon

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #16
    cati0314 said:

    onco score

    Hi Puffin,  I honestly thought that a low score was good.  My mistake.  I went to MD Andersen but they did not do the test.  I didn't know it existed.  Is a high score considered a positive as chemo would be indicated and is an additional treatment?

     

    Thanks,

    Sharon

    low score is good

    You are correct, a low score is considered good because it indicates a less aggressive cancer, chemo works better on a more aggressive actively growing cancer.

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #17
    vickiek811 said:

    Thank you!

    Thank you, everyone, for all of your responses.  I know I am knew here, but everyone's story is different from the others and experiences vary from person to person.  So, I appreciate the advice, recommendations, suggestions, and support.  I am glad to be part of a community who cares for the well-being of others and is not critical of the prcoess one goes through.

    I received my score - 18.  My oncologist does not recommend chemo for the two types of cancer I have.  He recommends to continue with the original treatment plan (30 rounds of radiation, 5 years of Tamoxifen, and then changing to another HT medication for the next five years after the five years on Tamoxifen).  My rating showed only a 2% difference for chemo to be effective and he felt it was not large enough of a differential rating to advise on chemo.  I am fine with that.  They will continue to scan the other areas where there showed suspicious growths.  He also would like me to go for the Genetic test, which he said may eventually change the plan for surgery.  I am still waiting for the Geneticist to call for an appointment, I will follow up with the nurse navigator to see why no one has called me.

    New Flower - Although I appreciate your advice and bluntness, situational anxiety does not always warrant medication.  I see it every day at work with clients medicated for a variety of reasons and it is not always appropriate.  I have already discussed it with several of my doctors and they are all in agreement that situational anxiety and situational depression does not constitute the need for meds in every issue.  My question was only about the rating of oncotyping because I have read several websites that offered different ratings, my oncologist told me the numbers, but I wanted to learn from others in a large-scale setting what their ideas are.  I am kind of surprised how readily you recommend anxiety medication, are you in the medical or mental health profession?  While working in mental health, we always look at all other options first before relying solely on medication for a person to overcome some kind of fear, especially when it is considered situational.  So, since I am just learning about all of this cancer stuff, and it is all new to me, I was just wondering if you work or have worked in the either profession in order to make that determination.  I have to admit, it kind of threw me for a loop and I felt very unsupported by the comment, one reason I did not respond and actually avoided this forum for the past day.

    Thank you for the responses and support.  I know my cancer may not be as severe as some others on here, but cancer is cancer, and there is a battle to fight and to win no matter what kind it is or how bad it is.  I actually felt bad when the oncologist walked into the room and said, "I have good news for you."  When I heard I did not need chemo, I was also overcome with sadness because so many of you must have it.  Yes, I was happy it is not part of my current treatment plan, it may be down in the future, if another type of cancer were to surface, but for now.... this is what it is and although I am happy for my outcome (of course, I still have a long road of radiation ahead with numerous side effects because of not only radiation, but also another medical condition I have), I am saddened that I was happy at the result when so many others at the same exact time got more devastating news.  I am so sorry for that.  I hope everyone has a good night.

    great news

    So happy for you that you have a plan in place and that you don't have to use chemo. It's great to have a test available to help determine when it's appropriate to use chemo.

    Radiation has it's own issues, but everyone reacts different to that too. I had very little fatigue from my rads, skin got a little pink and my breast had tingly feelings with a brief sharp pain shooting through now and then. Check with your RO what creams he prefers and when you should start using them. Mine had me start the week before rads, and could not apply 4 hours before each session. Other than the inconvenience of having to go to rads every day, it hardly slowed me down at all.

    Keep in touch, we're here for you.

  • Josie21
    Josie21 Member Posts: 382 Member
    #18
    Puffin2014 said:

    great news

    So happy for you that you have a plan in place and that you don't have to use chemo. It's great to have a test available to help determine when it's appropriate to use chemo.

    Radiation has it's own issues, but everyone reacts different to that too. I had very little fatigue from my rads, skin got a little pink and my breast had tingly feelings with a brief sharp pain shooting through now and then. Check with your RO what creams he prefers and when you should start using them. Mine had me start the week before rads, and could not apply 4 hours before each session. Other than the inconvenience of having to go to rads every day, it hardly slowed me down at all.

    Keep in touch, we're here for you.

    Oncotype

    Hi Vicki,

    I am so happy that you received a low oncotype score.  My score was a 13 and I too was told that chemo would not benefit me enough to take.  I was thrilled and nervous at the same time.  On December 15th I will celebrate my 6th year with NED and I am doing great.  I am grateful every day that researchers are finding new ways to fight cancer.  A treatment that is good for one, may not be necessary for another.  It was a tough decision to leave percentage points on the table, but I was confident in my doctor and in the science behind onco typing. 

    Hugs,

    Ginny

Discussion Boards