Tumour profiling tests to guide chemotherapy decisions

What’s the project about?

On the NHS in England, a number of tumour profiling tests are available, such as Oncotype DX, Prosigna and Endopredict. Tumour profiling tests are done on tissue which is already removed to look at the groups of genes in the breast cancer.

The results of the test can be used alongside other information to help decide whether chemotherapy would benefit you. The tests are available for people with primary breast cancer where the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes under the arm and is oestrogen receptor positive, HER2 negative.

Joining the NICE committee

NICE is now reviewing the evidence about the use of tumour profiling tests when breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the arm. They're looking for someone to join the committee which will look at the evidence available to extend the use of tumour profiling tests.

Contributing to Breast Cancer Now’s submission

At Breast Cancer Now, we are also looking for people to inform our input into this NICE work and answer some short questions by email. Your responses will be anonymous.

Who can take part?

People with experience of either:

• Oestrogen receptor positive primary breast cancer which is/was lymph node positive

OR

• Tumour profiling tests in oestrogen receptor positive primary breast cancer.

Why do you want me to be involved?

Joining the NICE committee

Your involvement will make sure that the patient voice is heard in decisions about whether new tests can be expanded out to a wider group of patients. You’ll be helping to make national and local health and services work better for patients.

Contributing to Breast Cancer Now’s submission

By sharing your insight with Breast Cancer Now, you’ll be ensuring that our contribution to this work is patient centred and meaningful. 

What will you ask me to do?

Joining the NICE committee

If someone wants to join the NICE committee, they need to read the information on the website and apply to join the committee. The closing date is 7 March. The time commitment is over a 10-month period.

The role involves attending committee meetings, reading committee papers and keeping the work confidential. Your role is to ensure the views and experiences of patients are considered by the committee.

There’ll be two meetings - 26 October 2023 and 18 January 2024 - both will last for half a day. They'll be virtual or in central Manchester.

Contributing to Breast Cancer Now’s submission

If you want your views to be included in Breast Cancer Now's submission to this whole process, you will be able to answer some questions over email. This will take place before the end of April.

How do I get involved?

Joining the NICE committee

If you have any questions about the role you can email Mark Rasburn. You can also find out more about this NICE committee and the role requirements on their website.  

To sign up, download and fill in the application forms, and email them to the Public Involvement Programme recruitment team at PIPrecruitment@nice.org.uk.

Contributing to Breast Cancer Now’s submission

If you want to help shape our contribution by sharing your experiences, you can email the policy team to arrange for them to send you their questions.