@A MyBCTeam Member here is the article I read, it would be easier for you to read it than me try to relay all the info :
www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20101215 From what my docs have explained the Oncotype DX test tells you both the probability that you would benefit from chemo and the chances of recurrence in early stage breast cancer. They do also factor in your tumor markers. Tumor size, grade & node status are used in treatment choice as far as I know and the Ki67 I was told is very controversial , in fact my docs paid little no attention to it in my case. I'll be interested in the feedback your doctors give you. You'll see in the article I referred you to, the number of CTC cells is what gives them the prognosis.

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A MyBCTea...

@A MyBCTeam Member I wasn't familiar with the CTC but did a little research since you posted the question. On breastcancer.org they have an interesting article, although it is dated 2010. So not sure how much progress has been made with this. None of my doc's mentioned this and in fact my group declined to do the Oncotype even when I asked for it. They said because they were not recommending chemo for my case that insurance would not approve it. The studies on the CTC that I read link the number of CTC cells with the prognosis for metastatic breast cancer but there were also studies that looked at the prognosis for women with early stage bc & a higher than average risk of recurrence. In your case with your Oncotype being low already tells them you have a low risk of recurrence, so I would think you are not a candidate for CTC testing. But you could certainly ask your team and see what they tell you. I'd be interested in what they tell you.

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A MyBCTea...

So I asked my Oncologist about the CTC test, and he said that since it is not in their protocol of recommended guidelines of testing, they don’t use it, nor did he know enough about it to say one way or another.

Yes, right after diagnosis and a few follow ups. https://rgcc-group.com. "Greek Test" commonly called by functional md's. you hope the number goes down. You need over 5 cells for them to do the initial test for sensitivity to chemical and natural substances. pricey, but worth it. I am always kind of afraid to know.

From what I read, the CTC checks for a renegade cell, which would mean metastasis down the line. The Oncotype score doesn’t check for cells, but looks at a lot of other aspects of the cancer. It brings a little closer picture, but leaves s lot of information out. Another program from Genomic Health uses the grade, Oncotype score, age, size, and menopause status to narrow down the risk. A little better. For ILC, because the Ki67 percentage makes a difference in chemo choice, is another consideration. So, if there is an errant cell and the Ki67 is low with a low Oncotype would equal future metastasis and chemo would not have been able to help.

I have my appointment next month and will ask about it then. Not sure if I want to actually know.