Genomic Test Helps Hundreds of Quebec Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer Avoid Chemotherapy by Personalizing Their Treatment

Genomic Health's Oncotype DX test increasingly used to help predict chemotherapy benefit and risk of recurrence in early-stage breast cancer patients

MONTREAL, March 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 100 physicians in Quebec have used the Oncotype DX breast cancer test since the test's introduction, allowing more than 700 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer to personalize their treatment plan. Developed by Genomic Health, Oncotype DX is a genomic test that measures the expression of 21 genes of an individual tumour to generate a Recurrence Score (RS) result that quantifies the magnitude of chemotherapy benefit and the likelihood of distant recurrence for early-stage breast cancer patients. More than 10,000 physicians worldwide have used Oncotype DX for more than 265,000 patients in 65 countries including Canada.

"This non-invasive genomic test examines patients' tumour at a molecular level and provides information about their individual disease to help me determine the most appropriate treatment for each of my patients," said Dominique Synnott, M.D., LMCC, FRCSC, general surgeon and head of the breast clinic at the Sacré-Coeur hospital in Montreal.  Dr. Synnott has been utilizing Oncotype DX since 2010, when the Province of Quebec joined the Province of Ontario to make provisions for funding the test.

Fully expecting to have to undergo chemotherapy, Nancy, a 52 year old breast cancer patient from Montreal, and her physician used the test and discovered that she a had low risk of recurrence and would not have benefit from chemotherapy.  "My choice of therapy was not based on fear but on an informed decision," declared Nancy, who is a research and development scientist in the medical field. "I learned about the test that has been available in the US since 2004 and it was important for me to learn as much as I can about my cancer.  For me, not having to undergo chemotherapy meant getting back to normal life."

"Oncotype DX is the only genomic test that helps inform each woman with early-stage breast cancer about both her own personal risk of breast cancer recurrence and the likely benefit from chemotherapy. This will allow chemotherapy to be used where it will be most beneficial to women and spare some women from having chemotherapy, when it is not needed," added Dr. Synnott.

In Édith's case, a 47 year old school teacher from the greater Montreal area, she learned that her Recurrence Score was low and chemotherapy would not be appropriate. "I was aware of the side-effects of chemotherapy and the impact it would have on my life, so I jumped for joy when I found out I wouldn't have to do it." Within six months of her diagnosis and the end of her personalized treatment which included hormone therapy and radiation, Edith is doing well and is gradually returning to her normal activities.

Oncotype DX is incorporated in published ASCO® and NCCN® breast cancer treatment guidelines for patients with node-negative breast cancer that is estrogen-receptor positive and/or progesterone-receptor positive.  The test is also recognized in international guidelines issued by St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Expert Panel and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).

About Genomic Health

Genomic Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: GHDX) is a global cancer company focused on the development and commercialization of genomic-based clinical laboratory services that analyze the underlying biology of cancer allowing physicians and patients to make individualized treatment decisions.  Its lead product, the Oncotype DX® breast cancer test, has been shown to predict the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit as well as recurrence in invasive breast cancer and has been shown to predict the likelihood of recurrence in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).  In addition to this widely adopted test, Genomic Health provides the Oncotype DX colon cancer test, the first multigene expression test developed for the assessment of risk of recurrence in patients with stage II disease.  As of December 31, 2011, more than 10,000 physicians in over 65 countries had ordered more than 265,000 Oncotype DX tests.  Genomic Health has a robust pipeline focused on developing tests to optimize the treatment of prostate and renal cell cancers, as well as additional treatment decisions in breast and colon cancers.  In February, the company announced plans to form a new wholly owned genetics subsidiary to focus on the commercial applications of the human genome, with the goal of making commercial services available to physicians and patients in 2013.  The company is based in Redwood City, California with European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.  For more information, please visit, www.GenomicHealth.com.  To learn more about Oncotype DX tests, visit: www.OncotypeDX.com and www.mybreastcancertreatment.org.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to; the value the company's tests, including the Oncotype DX breast cancer test, are delivering to physicians, payers and patients; the applicability of clinical study results to actual outcomes; the ability of the company's tests to optimize cancer treatment and impact clinical practice; the impact of clinical studies on the use of the company's tests; the ability of the company to successfully market its products outside of the US; the commercial potential of its recently launch application of its Oncotype DX score for patients with DCIS ; and, the ability of the company's tests to be adequately reimbursed. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the results of clinical and cost effectiveness studies; the applicability of clinical study results to actual outcomes; the risks and uncertainties associated with the regulation of the company's tests by the FDA or similar agencies around the world; our ability successfully market our tests outside of the United States; our ability to develop and commercialize new tests; unanticipated costs or delays in research and development efforts; our ability to obtain and maintain reimbursement coverage for our tests; our ability to obtain capital when needed and the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Genomic Health disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Brigitte Filiatrault
Enigma communications
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Victoria Steiner
Genomic Health
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Email: [email protected]