Name of the Procedure:

Gene Expression Profiling Panel for Breast Cancer Treatment
Common Name(s): Gene expression test, Breast cancer molecular test
Medical Terms: Gene expression profiling (GEP), Genomic test

Summary

Gene expression profiling panel is a diagnostic test used to analyze the activity of specific genes in a breast cancer tumor. This helps determine the aggressiveness of the cancer and guides decisions on treatment options.

Purpose

Gene expression profiling panel helps to:

• Assess the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence.
• Tailor breast cancer treatments more effectively (e.g., chemotherapy, hormone therapy).
• Determine the most appropriate course of treatment based on the tumor's genetic makeup.

Indications

• Early-stage breast cancer diagnosis.
• Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
• Patients who have had surgery for breast cancer and need further treatment planning.

Preparation

• No specific fasting or dietary restrictions.
• Inform your doctor about all medications or supplements you are taking.

• A biopsy or surgery to remove a portion of the tumor for testing is required.

  Procedure Description

  1. Tumor Sampling: A sample of the breast cancer tissue is obtained through biopsy or surgery.
  2. Lab Analysis: The tissue sample is sent to a specialized laboratory.
  3. Gene Testing: The sample is tested to measure the expression levels of multiple genes.
  4. Result Interpretation: The results are analyzed to create a genetic profile of the tumor, which helps predict the cancer's behavior and response to treatments.

Duration

The gene expression test itself takes a few hours, but obtaining results typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Setting

Performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic. The actual gene expression test is conducted in a specialized laboratory.

Personnel

• Oncologist
• Surgeon or Radiologist (for biopsy)
• Pathologist
• Laboratory technicians

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risks associated with the biopsy procedure, such as infection or bleeding at the biopsy site.
• Rare risk of tissue sample mismanagement or loss.

Benefits

• Personalized treatment plans.
• Avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy.
• Better understanding of cancer prognosis.
• Improved overall treatment outcomes.

Recovery

• Recovery from a biopsy generally takes a few days.
• Follow any specific post-biopsy care instructions given by your healthcare provider.
• No recovery time needed for the gene expression test itself.

Alternatives

• Standard clinical and pathological assessments (e.g., tumor size, grade, lymph node involvement).
• Other genomic tests (e.g., MammaPrint, EndoPredict).

Pros and Cons:

• Gene Expression Profiling: Provides a detailed genetic analysis but can be expensive.
• Standard Assessments: More accessible but might not offer personalized treatment planning.

Patient Experience

• You may feel slight discomfort during the biopsy.
• Minimal to no discomfort after the sample is taken.
• Emotional relief from receiving a tailored treatment plan.