Genomic Tests for Breast Cancer: What They Can Tell You
Your Tumor Has a Story — Genomic Testing Helps You Hear It
Getting a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. However, understanding your cancer can bring clarity and peace. One of the most powerful tools in breast cancer care today is genomic testing. These tests look beyond the surface to examine the biology of your tumor. At Learn Look Locate, we believe knowledge is power. Moreover, knowing which genomic tests are available—and what they reveal—can make a big difference in the treatment plan you and your doctor choose together.
Genomic testing differs from genetic testing. While genetic testing looks for inherited mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), genomic testing analyzes the genes in your actual tumor tissue. These tests assess how certain genes are behaving, including their activity and expression. As a result, they help identify patterns that may affect how your cancer grows and responds to treatment.
The goal? To help predict your risk of recurrence and determine whether chemotherapy is likely to benefit you.
Before these tests were widely available, many early-stage breast cancer patients received chemotherapy automatically—just in case. Today, however, genomic testing offers a deeper level of insight. Consequently, many patients can avoid unnecessary treatments and their side effects. At the same time, it ensures others receive aggressive care when needed.
Below are the most widely used genomic tests in breast cancer today:
1. Oncotype DX® This is the most common test for people with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or has minimal spread. It looks at the activity of 21 different genes in the tumor.
The test provides a Recurrence Score between 0 and 100. A low score means the risk of recurrence is low, and chemotherapy may not be needed. A higher score indicates a greater chance of benefit from chemotherapy.
2. MammaPrint® This test analyzes 70 genes to determine whether the cancer is low risk or high risk for recurrence. Unlike Oncotype DX, it doesn’t provide a numerical score but categorizes patients into “low risk” or “high risk.”
It is often used in both lymph node-negative and certain lymph node-positive (up to three nodes) HR+ and HER2-negative breast cancers.
3. Prosigna® (PAM50) This test looks at 50 genes and categorizes breast cancer into subtypes like Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched, or Basal-like. Additionally, it provides a risk of recurrence score. It is used primarily in postmenopausal women with early-stage, HR+ breast cancer.
4. EndoPredict® This test combines genomic data with clinical factors, such as tumor size and nodal status, to estimate the risk of recurrence. It is used for HR+/HER2- breast cancers.
These tests help your doctor personalize your treatment plan. Instead of guessing who needs chemotherapy, we can now use your tumor’s unique biology to guide decisions. A low-risk result may suggest chemotherapy isn’t necessary. Conversely, a high-risk outcome may indicate a need for more aggressive treatment.
It’s important to understand that genomic tests are only used in certain types of breast cancer. Your oncologist will determine if one of these tests applies to your specific case.
Learning about genomic testing can feel like decoding a new language. But you are not alone. At Learn Look Locate, we are here to help you understand your diagnosis, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions.
We invite you to explore more about personalized treatment options, speak with your care team about whether genomic testing is right for you, and visit our page on Pathology to better understand how your tumor is studied.
Knowledge is powerful. Understanding your tumor’s unique story can help guide your path forward
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Address: 5800 W. Arizona Pavilions Dr. Suite 1816
Cortaro, Arizona 85652