HIQA on Gene Expression Profiling Tests for Breast Cancer

By Staff Writer

February 21, 2023

Introduction:

There is an ongoing and unrelenting effort to find better treatments for breast cancer, which is a major health concern worldwide. One promising development in this respect is the use of gene expression profiling (GEP) tests. These tests, performed on tumour samples from early-stage breast cancer patients, can help determine the potential benefits of chemotherapy post-surgery.

Gene Expression Profiling Tests in Breast Cancer:

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) recently published a rapid health technology assessment (HTA) on GEP tests for breast cancer. This was at the request of the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) National Cancer Control Programme. These tests are particularly useful for patients with the most common form of breast cancer in Ireland. The tests aim to estimate the likelihood of the disease returning and the potential effectiveness of chemotherapy in preventing recurrence.

The Oncotype DX® Test:

Currently, the HSE covers the cost of one GEP test, known as Oncotype DX®. When it comes to patients whose cancer has migrated to their lymph nodes, this test has demonstrated the most compelling proof of its usefulness. On the other hand, the data that supports its use for patients whose cancer has not progressed to their lymph nodes is very restricted.

The Future of GEP Tests:

Despite the promising results of Oncotype DX®, the costs of other GEP tests are not covered. HIQA’s assessment examined the evidence for all four commercially available tests in Ireland. The aim was to provide advice to the HSE on potential alternatives. The decision to cover the cost of other GEP tests will need to consider factors such as patient group applicability, cost, and practicality of use in Ireland.

Conclusion:

Shelley O’Neill, who is the Deputy Director of HTA at HIQA, pointed out that GEP tests have the potential to identify individuals who might not require chemotherapy. This would be beneficial to both the patient and the healthcare system. We need to collect more data on the use of GEP tests in Ireland. This would lead to a more comprehensive evaluation of the potential applications of these tests in the future.

Reference url

Recent Posts

oral health Africa
    

Oral Health in Africa: Promoting Collaborative Solutions

🦷 Is oral health taking a back seat in public health discussions in Africa?

A new article reveals alarming statistics about the high prevalence of untreated dental diseases across the continent and a critical shortage of oral health professionals. It emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative action among healthcare providers and policy-makers to integrate oral health into broader public health frameworks.

Discover how strengthening partnerships can pave the way for improved health outcomes and resource allocation in oral health.

#SyenzaNews #globalhealth #HealthEconomics

tislelizumab NSCLC treatment
        

Early Benefit Assessment of Tislelizumab NSCLC Treatment: Insights and Implications

🧐 How is the evolving treatment landscape for NSCLC affecting patient access to tislelizumab?

The German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has launched an early benefit assessment for tislelizumab as a second-line treatment for adults with advanced NSCLC. This assessment notably focuses on PD-L1 negative patients and highlights the need for additional data to substantiate its value amidst a shifting emphasis on first-line immunotherapy.

Explore the nuances of this assessment and its implications for future research and market access in the full article.

#SyenzaNews #oncology #MarketAccess

colorectal cancer screening
    

Advances in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Access and Cost

🚀 Is blood-based screening redefining colorectal cancer detection?

The Shield blood test offers a non-invasive alternative to colonoscopy—boosting screening uptake, but raising questions around effectiveness and value.

🔍 Discover how this innovation could reshape patient care, payer strategy, and health system costs.

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #CostEffectiveness #DigitalTransformation

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.