The Oncotype DX^® test is based on genomic science. While genomics and genetics may sound similar, and are indeed related, they focus on different information.

Broadly speaking, genetics is the study of how inherited traits are passed from one generation to the next through the genes, and how new traits appear by way of genetic mutations or changes. These traits may be characteristics like eye or hair color.

A predisposition to certain types of diseases can also be passed through the genes. For example, inherited changes to BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved in many cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. There are tests for women to find out if they have inherited a higher risk of developing breast cancer through the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

These genetic tests are completely different from Oncotype DX, which is a genomic test. The Oncotype DX test does not provide information about a person's inherited genetic makeup. Instead, the Oncotype DX test looks at 21 genes in a patient's breast cancer tumor to understand how these genes interact and function. This genomic test looks at groups of genes and how active they are, because this activity can influence how a cancer is likely to grow and respond to treatment.