Positive Data for Genomics' Oncotype - Analyst Blog

Genomic Health (GHDX), an oncology based biotech company, recently presented results from seven new studies for its flagship product, Oncotype DX breast cancer test. Data presented at a recently held breast cancer conference confirmed that the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score (RS) can accurately predict chemotherapy benefit and recurrence risk in early-stage breast cancer patients.

A meta-analysis of seven studies conducted with 912 patients observed a large impact of RS on treatment decisions of breast cancer patients. It was observed that doctors using this test changed their treatment decision in more than one-third of the patients thereby reducing the use of chemotherapy in 28% of the cases with the help of RS analysis. Similarly, some patients who were considered to be at low-risk were identified as having high-risk disease. This shows that RS provides key information for treatment decision-making that cannot be determined by traditional measures. 

Earlier, 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 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.

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.