The cost of a breakthrough test that can help women diagnosed with breast cancer to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy is to be covered by private health insurance for the first time in this country.
The Oncotype DX breast cancer test is a 21-gene test that predicts the patient's likely benefit from chemotherapy, as well as their likelihood of breast cancer recurrence. The test provides oncologists with more detailed, patient-specific information to help them decide on the best clinical care for their patient. It examines the exact nature of an early stage breast cancer tumour and the likelihood of the condition recurring within 10 years.
The test normally costs €3,180, however Aviva has announced that it will now cover this cost under all of its health insurance plans.
The test is already in use in other countries such as the US, Germany and the UK, however until now, it was only available in Ireland as part of a clinical trial that took place between 2007 and August 2010. Otherwise, it had to be paid for in full by any individual who wanted it carried out.
"The use of this test could initially mean that of the 2,800 plus women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland each year, up to 200 of these women may no longer require chemotherapy who previously would have. The test will inevitably transform clinical care for patients and reduce the number of women who may have to undergo chemotherapy unnecessarily," explained consultant oncologist, Prof Bryan Hennessy of Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
He described the test as a ‘major step forward for clinicians and patients in Ireland'.
"By identifying those women who have a low recurrence score, we can eliminate the number of women undergoing chemotherapy unnecessarily. Importantly, the test also identifies those patients who may gain significant benefit from chemotherapy but through conventional diagnosis may not have been prescribed it," he explained.
Those suitable for the test include women (and men) with early stage, oestrogen receptor positive, lymph-node negative breast cancer. Aviva members may avail of the test at the eight designated cancer centres and associated private hospitals including Beaumont Hospital, Cork University Hospital, the Bon Secours in Cork, the Mater, the Mater Private, the Mid Western Regional, St James's Hospital, St Vincent's University Hospital, St Vincent's Private Hospital, Waterford Regional and University College Hospital Galway.
The test must be requested by the consultant oncologist treating the patient and is subject to pre-authorisation by Aviva.
Source: http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=18251
