What does the Oncotype DX test indicate, and why did a score above 24 lead to a chemotherapy recommendation for an ILC diagnosis?
The Oncotype DX is a genomic test that looks at the genes inside your cancer cells. It helps predict:
- How likely the tumor is to grow
- How well certain treatments may work
- The chances of Show Full Answer
What does the Oncotype DX test indicate, and why did a score above 24 lead to a chemotherapy recommendation for an ILC diagnosis?
The Oncotype DX is a genomic test that looks at the genes inside your cancer cells. It helps predict:
- How likely the tumor is to grow
- How well certain treatments may work
- The chances of the cancer coming back later The test produces a "recurrence score" ranging from 0 to 100. A higher score suggests a greater risk of the cancer returning, which is why chemotherapy may be recommended — it can help kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce that risk.
A score just above 24 falls into an intermediate-to-higher risk range, which is a common threshold where oncologists lean toward recommending chemo to be thorough. It's not a fun conversation to have, but it means your team is being proactive! 💪
Since your diagnosis is ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma), it's worth knowing that most ILC tumors are hormone receptor-positive, meaning hormone therapy may also be part of your treatment plan alongside chemotherapy.
Always lean on your oncology team to walk through what your specific score means for your unique situation — they're your best guide here.
May 8
Join
Your Privacy Choices
