A 42-year-old woman is diagnosed with ER-positive, HER2-negative, node-negative breast cancer (T1N0M0, grade 2). OncotypeDx recurrence score returns as 18. According to the TAILORx trial findings, what is the recommended adjuvant treatment?
- A Endocrine therapy alone ✓
- B Chemotherapy followed by endocrine therapy
- C Chemotherapy alone
- D Radiation alone with no systemic therapy
Correct answer: A. Endocrine therapy alone
Explanation
TAILORx demonstrated that in postmenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2-negative, node-negative breast cancer and a recurrence score of 0–25, endocrine therapy alone is non-inferior to chemotherapy plus endocrine therapy. A score of 18 falls within the low-intermediate range where chemotherapy confers no additional benefit. Chemotherapy is reserved for scores ≥26 (or premenopausal women aged <50 with scores 16–25).
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.