Genomic Health Unveils Oncotype DX Data - Analyst Blog

Genomic Health, Inc. GHDX recently announced the presentation of results from multiple Oncotype DX breast cancer studies at the 9^th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-9), scheduled from March 19 to 21 in Glasgow, Scotland, U.K. 

The data to be presented is expected to draw attention toward the need for greater availability of a standard predictive genomic testing, like Oncotype DX, to promote more informed chemotherapy treatment decisions in early-stage breast cancer patients in Europe. 

The Oncotype DX breast cancer test is the only multigene expression test that is commercially available. It is also supported by clinical evidence that validates its ability to predict the likelihood of chemotherapy benefits as well as recurrence in early-stage breast cancer. The Oncotype DX gene expression assay is designed for women with early-stage (stage I or II), node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) invasive breast cancer prescribed to be treated with therapy.

After a thorough research on Oncotype DX breast cancer test, comprising almost 16 studies conducted with 1,766 patients, it can be concluded that Oncotype DX has successfully demonstrated its clinical utility and cost effectiveness. 

Genomic Health has earlier presented results from multiple studies propagating the benefits of Oncotype DX test in conferences like the 2014 American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancer (ASCO GI) Symposium and the 36^th Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Owing to increased popularity of the Oncotype DX test among physicians, Genomic Health experienced a 15% rise in the test volume to more than 85,000 tests in 2013. Management also estimates the adoptability of the tests to further increase to 98,000–102,500 tests in 2014.

Currently, Genomic Health carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the broader healthcare sector worth considering are Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ALXN, Alkermes plc ALKS and ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANIP. All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).