Molecular diagnostics provider Genomic Health Inc. GHDX recently unveiled results from a multi-center clinical utility study, demonstrating the significance of its Oncotype DX DCIS Score in recommending suitable treatment options for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients. The study results were published in the renowned Journal of Surgical Oncology.
More specifically, the trial data validated a decline in the number of DCIS patients receiving a radiotherapy recommendation by one-third, after the physicians got the DCIS Score result. In totality, the study reflected a change in treatment recommendation for 31% of the 115 DCIS patients enrolled in the study across 10 cancer centers in the U.S.
Further, 32% of the patients, who had earlier been advised not to undergo radiotherapy, were later found to have high-risk of DCIS recurrence (based on the DCIS Score) and were thus rendered radiotherapy recommendation.
This reflects the groundbreaking clinical efficacy of Genomic’s Oncotype DX DCIS Score in mitigating under-and-over treatment procedures that multiple DCIS patients undergo each year.
DCIS, also known as pre-invasive breast cancer, is a medical condition that affects almost 50,000 women every year in the U.S. Most DCIS patients are treated with breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy. However, 20% of these patients face the risk of a recurrence or the development of an invasive form of the disease.
Genomic’s Oncotype DX DCIS Score results offer an estimation of the chance of local recurrence of either invasive breast cancer or DCIS, in individual patients. This knowledge enables physicians to take appropriate treatment decisions customized as per the need of each patient. As a result, women with low risk of recurrence no longer need to undergo unnecessary radiation therapy. On the other hand, similarly, women identified with high risk of recurrence can more definitively be recommended further treatment post surgery.
Per management, the published data effectively highlights the clinical utility of the Oncotype DX DCIS Score, particularly in improving health care for DCIS patients. In this regard, we agree with management, that the positive findings of the trial will encourage more physicians to refer this test to their patients. This, in turn, will mean better test revenue growth at Genomic, going forward.
We also note that, the DCIS Score, being the only genomic test for patients with pre-invasive breast cancer, has been considered the most vital factor in treatment planning by physicians who conducted this study.
Currently, Genomic holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked med-biomed/generic stocks are Cambrex Corporation CBM, China Biologic Products, Inc. CBPO and Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD. All the three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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