RSClin® Tool N+: A Major Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk Assessment and Chemotherapy Decision-Making
A Game-Changer for Breast Cancer Patients Facing Treatment Decisions
At Learn Look Locate, we’re committed to spotlighting innovations that empower breast cancer patients through education, support, and trusted medical insight. One of the most exciting recent developments is the release of the RSClin® Tool N+—a predictive model that brings us closer to truly personalized breast cancer care.
For those diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer, this tool could be a turning point in deciding whether chemotherapy is needed—especially when combined with endocrine therapy.
What Is the RSClin® Tool N+?
The RSClin® Tool N+ is a groundbreaking clinical decision-making tool developed by the SWOG Cancer Research Network. It provides a more personalized and comprehensive estimate of:
Your individual risk of breast cancer recurrence
How much benefit chemotherapy might provide when added to endocrine therapy
It’s designed specifically for people with HR+, HER2-negative breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.
If you’re looking to understand more about hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, visit our Understanding Hormone Therapy resource page.
How Is RSClin® Tool N+ Different from the Oncotype DX Test?
The Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® is a genomic test that analyzes the activity of 21 genes in a tumor to estimate the risk of recurrence and potential benefit from chemotherapy. While powerful, it looks only at genetic markers.
The RSClin® Tool N+ takes things further by combining the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score® with clinical and pathological information, such as:
Tumor size
Histologic grade
Patient age
Number of positive lymph nodes
This hybrid approach gives a more accurate and individualized prediction of both recurrence risk and the actual benefit of chemotherapy.
Think of it as:
Oncotype DX tells you about your tumor’s biology.
RSClin® Tool N+ combines biology with real-world clinical details for a clearer, fuller picture.
If you’re new to genomic testing, start with our Your Tumor: Understanding Genomic Tests page to get grounded in what these tests really mean for you.
Backed by Major Clinical Trials
The RSClin® Tool N+ was built from real-world data in over 5,000 patients from the SWOG S8814 and RxPONDER clinical trials. It was then independently validated using patient records from the Clalit Health Services registry—proving that its predictions match up closely with what actually happens in real life.
Why This Matters: Personalized, Empowered Decision-Making
Many people wonder, “Will chemotherapy really help me, or am I going through it for nothing?” This tool helps answer that question more clearly and confidently by showing the likely benefit for you personally.
To understand chemotherapy and its role in treatment, visit our Comprehensive Chemotherapy Guide, which includes medically vetted information and survivor insights.
“For node-positive breast cancer, we currently don’t have any useful tools to provide estimates of chemotherapy benefit for postmenopausal patients. The RSClin Tool N+ will now provide us oncologists more information when evaluating hormone-positive, HER2-negative patients after surgery.”
— Dr. Rahul Singh, Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate and Oncologist
Who Can Access the Tool?
Currently, the RSClin® Tool N+ is available to physicians in the United States, Canada, and Israel via the Exact Sciences portal. If you’re a patient in treatment or recently diagnosed, ask your oncologist whether this tool is part of your care discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is RSClin® Tool N+ a replacement for the Oncotype DX test?
A: No. It works with the Oncotype DX test. The RSClin® Tool N+ uses your Oncotype DX Recurrence Score® alongside other clinical details to make a more complete prediction.
Q: Can I access this tool as a patient?
A: The tool is available to physicians. Talk to your oncologist about whether they are using RSClin® Tool N+ to help guide your treatment decisions.
Q: Does this tool apply to all breast cancer types?
A: No. It is specifically for people with HR+ (hormone receptor-positive), HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer.
Q: Will this tool tell me if I need chemotherapy?
A: It won’t give a yes-or-no answer. Instead, it gives you and your doctor personalized numbers to guide a shared decision about whether chemotherapy is likely to help you.
Q: Is it accurate?
A: Yes. It was validated using real-world data and aligns closely with observed outcomes in large clinical trials and health systems.
At Learn Look Locate, We Believe Deep Discussions Matter
We know that information alone isn’t enough—sometimes, what we need most is someone to explain it with empathy and clarity. That’s why we created the Discussions with the Doctors series at Learn Look Locate.
These are real, patient-focused interviews with our trusted medical advisors. From navigating pathology to understanding genomic tools like RSClin®, these conversations are at the heart of our mission. We encourage you to explore them, revisit them, and share them. You’ll find knowledge—but also reassurance.
A personal note from Cynthia, Founder of Learn Look Locate:
When I was diagnosed, I had so many questions—so much I didn’t understand. I wanted more than just facts. I wanted conversations. I was constantly seeking more knowledge, more clarity, and more emotional connection. That’s exactly why Learn Look Locate exists—to give you a place to find those answers, through deep, compassionate discussions with the experts.
Because we believe deep discussions matter—and we’re here to have them with you.
Start watching: Discussions with the Doctors »
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