Recently, recommendations for the use of the Oncotype DX assay in estrogen 
receptor-positive node-negative breast cancer patients were incorporated into 
guidelines from both the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National 
Comprehensive Cancer Network. The Oncotype DX assay is a diagnostic test which 
measures changes in a set of 21 genes in order to predict the likelihood of 
disease recurrence and also to predict which patients are most likely to respond 
to chemotherapy. Oncotype DX has been available commercially since January 2004 
and has been used for more than 85,000 patients. Drs. William J. Gradishar, Nora 
M. Hansen, and Barbara Susnik answered questions regarding the incorporation of 
the Oncotype DX breast cancer assay into routine clinical practice. This expert 
dialog offers an update and clinical insights into when, how, and why clinicians 
might incorporate the Oncotype DX assay into the management of their breast 
cancer patients. Also, the latest research into the benefit of the Oncotype DX 
assay in node-positive patients is discussed. Finally, sample case studies offer 
clinically relevant examples of the practical application of the Oncotype DX 
assay.