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New Test Eliminates Unnecessary Chemotherapy
March 12, 2010
The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) is pleased by the recent announcement
that the Government of Ontario will fund a molecular test that can eliminate unnecessary
chemotherapy for breast cancer patients. As the first and only province to fund
it, the new test, called an Oncotype DX test, analyzes 21 genes that can help
predict if a breast cancer is likely to return within the next decade. From this
assessment, it enables doctors and patients to determine whether chemotherapy
is needed as part of the patient’s treatment plan. Outside of Ontario, Canadian
patients can only access this test by registering in clinical trials in select
locations. The alternative is to travel to California and pay $3,957 USD for the
test.
“Every year, more than 12,000 Canadian women are unable to make an informed choice
about undergoing chemotherapy. For these patients with estrogen-receptor positive
tumours without cancerous lymph nodes, it has been impossible to tell who needs
chemotherapy and which patients can avoid it. This new test will not only provide
some clarity for women facing treatment decisions, it will save patients the health
and financial burden of undergoing chemotherapy,” said Cathy Ammendolea, President
of CBCN’s Board of Directors.
Genomic Health developed the Oncotype DX test and is based in Redwood City, California.
Founded in 2000, they are committed to improving the quality of cancer treatment
decisions through research, development and commercialization of genomic-based
clinical laboratory services.
CBCN is a survivor-directed, national network of organizations and individuals.
CBCN is a national link between all groups and individuals concerned about breast
cancer, and represents the concerns of all Canadians affected by breast cancer
and those at risk.
Drug Approval Update – Good News!
January 5, 2010
Debbie Warkus can now know that while she is giving her best shot at beating
breast
cancer, she will have the only drugs that will help her now when every other drug
has failed to control her cancer. The Ontario Committee for Evaluating Drugs (Ontario
CED) has approved the combination
of drugs needed by Debbie.
George Warkus, Debbie’s husband, called CBCN January 5, 2010 to confirm that
he heard about the news just yesterday and that Debbie starts on the combination
treatment tomorrow.
This is one more step in progress for women currently suffering
from metastatic
breast cancer. George Warkus expressed his thanks to CBCN and those members of
our on-line communities
who wrote to the CED and the Minister of Health.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Network speaks out to expedite approval process for
life saving drugs for breast cancer patients
December 18, 2009
The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) is horrified at the frustration and
obstacles Deborah Warkus and her family are dealing with to obtain the breast
cancer treatment recommended by her doctor. The issue was initially raised by The Globe and Mail in Fighting cancer in a
bureaucratic Catch-22, December 18.
And we are afraid there are many more Deborahs out there.
More information
Canadian Breast Cancer Network is now all a-“Twitter”
Keep in touch with what’s happening with the Canadian Breast Cancer Network by
following our Twitter updates. Twitter is the latest sensation to hit the Internet,
letting you keep on top of what’s going on with the people and places important
to you. To find us, go to www.twitter.com and type in CBCN.
Thank you Mike's Hard Lemonade!
We would like to thank you Mike's Hard Lemonade for their incredibly generous
donation of $135,000 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Network.