Surgery

Oncotype DX® For Stage II Colon Cancer

Oncotype DX  is a diagnostic test for patients who are newly diagnosed with stage II and stage III colon cancer.  The test works by examining the tumor tissue at a molecular level, in order to provide information about the individual biology of each patient’s tumor.  Oncotype DX does this by evaluating 12 genes within the colon tumor to determine the likelihood that the cancer cells will spread -- or metastasize -- within three years of diagnosis.

The measurement of these 12 genes is combined into an individualized result called a Recurrence Score®.  The Recurrence Score is a number between 1 and 100 that correlates with the likelihood that an individual patient’s colon cancer will recur.  This information can help patients and their healthcare providers make more informed decisions about whether or not to pursue additional treatment -- such as chemotherapy -- following the surgery to remove the tumor. 

• More information about the Oncotype DX® test (PDF)

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