Genomic Presenting on Oncotype DX - Analyst Blog

Genomic Health (GHDX), an oncology based biotech company, will present results from seven studies at an upcoming breast cancer conference. The studies are related to the company's flagship product, Oncotype DX breast cancer test to predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence, patient survival within 10 years of diagnosis and chemotherapy benefit.

In October 2010, Genomic Health provided positive results from a study conducted with Oncotype DX test at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Milan, Italy.

It was observed that the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score (RS) had a meaningful impact on physicians in deciding treatment options for early-stage breast cancer patients in Spain. In 31.8% of the cases, physicians changed their treatment methods with the knowledge of the RS score. Similar results had been observed in the US. The company has an agreement with Palex Medical S.A., to distribute the test in Spain and Portugal.

Genomic Health is adopting various strategies to increase acceptance of the Oncotype DX tests, information of some of these was provided during the third quarter conference call. Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group has already enrolled more than 10,000 early stage breast cancer patients to the TAILORx (Trial Assigning IndividuaLized Options for Treatment Rx) clinical trial.

The purpose of the clinical trial is to individualize cancer treatment by using modern diagnostic tests that have not previously been routinely used in clinical practice. Through this landmark trial, physicians from more than 900 centers in four continents have utilized the Oncotype DX breast cancer test to provide treatment options to patients.

Results of this trial, expected in 2015, could establish Oncotype DX as the standard of care and also provide guidance regarding the use of chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer options.

In the US, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) issued its first set of treatment guidelines for breast cancer patients so that they are aware of their treatment options. These new guidelines recommend the use of Oncotype DX so that it is clear as to which patients are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy.

In order to increase awareness among breast cancer patients about these guidelines, Genomic Health has launched an on-line campaign called “pass it on until every woman knows”. During the first month, this campaign has reached more than 100,000 people through on-line community website visits and video views.

We have an Outperform rating on the stock, which also corresponds to the Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) in the short term.