Prognostic and predictive indicators in early-stage breast cancer and the role of genomic profiling: Focus on the Oncotype DX

Although useful prognostic and predictive insights can be gained from patient and tumour characteristics in early-stage breast cancer, it is not always straightforward to predict the likely risk of recurrence for each individual patient following breast surgery. One of the most difficult challenges faced by clinicians is identifying patients who may benefit most from adjuvant chemotherapy, and distinguishing these cases from those where endocrine therapy may be sufficient for cure. Genomic tests such as the Oncotype DX