The MammaPrint test by Agendia analyzes 70 genes from an early-stage breast cancer tissue sample to figure out if the cancer has a low or high risk of coming back (recurrence) within 10 years after diagnosis.
MammaPrint test results, when considered with other features of the cancer, can help you and your doctor make a more informed decision about whether to utilize chemotherapy or other treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Who's eligible for the MammaPrint test?
MammaPrint can only be used to analyze early-stage breast cancers. In the United States, MammaPrint can be used on cancers that are:
- stage I or stage II
- invasive
- smaller than 5 centimeters
- estrogen-receptor-positive or -negative
Internationally, MammaPrint can be used on cancers that are:
- stage I or stage II
- invasive
- smaller than 5 centimeters
- in three or fewer lymph nodes
In both the United States and internationally, MammaPrint can be used to analyze cancers that are hormone-receptor-positive AND hormone-receptor-negative.
The MammaPrint test can be performed on fresh or freshly frozen breast cancer tissue or tissue that has been treated or "fixed" with a special solution to preserve the genetic material.
How does the MammaPrint test work?
The MammaPrint test looks at 70 genes proven to have the highest relationship to breast cancer to see how active they are and then calculates a recurrence score that is either low risk or high risk:
- A low-risk test result means that the cancer has a 10% risk of coming back within 10 years without any additional treatments after surgery. With hormonal therapy alone this risk can be reduced to 5%.
- A high-risk test result means that the cancer has a 29% risk of coming back within 10 years without any additional treatments after surgery.
How is MammaPrint different from the Oncotype DX test?
You may have heard about another test that analyzes breast cancer genes to predict recurrence: the Oncotype DX test. While somewhat similar, the Oncotype DX test is used to analyze early-stage, node-negative breast cancers that are estrogen-receptor-positive to determine if the cancer is likely to come back and if chemotherapy would help reduce the risk of recurrence. The MammaPrint test is similar except it can also be used in cases of estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer. Some early research also suggests the test may be informative for post-menopausal women with stage II or stage III breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.
Insurance coverage for MammaPrint
The Center for Medicine Services (CMS) will reimburse for the MammaPrint test for patients with up to three positive lymph nodes. Some insurance companies will pay for the total cost of the MammaPrint test, while others may pay a portion of the cost.
If you're considering the MammaPrint test, talk to your insurance company to find out if it's covered.
Agendia created the Agendia Cares Program to help with insurance and payment issues. If you don't have insurance or your insurance company doesn't cover the MammaPrint test, the Agendia Cares Program may still be able to help.