Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Understanding Pathology Results Questions explaining and understanding pathology results. |
3,073 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/1/2011 | My Oncotype test came in at 22. I am taking your advise and sending my pathology slides for a 2nd opinion. I'm hoping to get a clear answer on my lymph nodes. Final pathology says SN is negative, but two other lymph nodes are "possible lymph nodes" and are positive for micromets. Oncologist still recommends chemo, but not TAC and instead just T & C. This is overwhelming since Oncotype wasn't low and wasn't high. If I end up with only 1 node (or maybe no nodes positive) would chemo still be recommended? I am 46 years old, IDC, 1.2cm, Grade 1, Stage 1B, MAYBE 2/6 nodes, ER+ PR+, Her- and BRCA-. Thanks so much for answering! | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 9/1/2011 | When Oncotype scores return as either low, or high, indication for chemotherapy is more clear. When scores return in the intermediate range, then careful discussion with breast medical oncologist, and personal decision making comes into play. Oncotype will predict the likely benefit of chemo but not which regimen is better than the other. For that we have to go on clinical data and we don't know whether TAC is better than TC though there is an ongoing trial to compare the two. That said, that trial is comparing 6 cycles of TC vs. the normal 6 cycles of TAC. Currently the approved regimen for TC is 4 cycles. TC x4 is a very good regimen with solid data behind it. Given the features of your tumor and your oncotype score (even with micromets which are likely not to be a clinically important as we once thought based on newer data), TCx4 would be a very reasonable approach. Hope this helps, and best wishes! | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.