Inconsistent Criteria Used in American Society of Clinical Oncology 2007 Update of Recommendations for the Use of Tumor Markers in Breast Cancer

2007, in which fresh biopsies can be shipped at ambient temperature in an RNA-preserving solution, bypassing the need to freeze the sample.Most importantly, we believe that the quality of the test result critically depends on the availability of intact RNA, which cannot be obtained from the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks used for the Oncotype DX test.FFPE tissue fixation was never designed for RNA analysis and many different protocols are used.The proof of technical validity for FFPE samples in the context of RNA measurements is still outstanding.Do the authors really want to suggest that we should prefer convenience over accuracy in cancer diagnostics?In conclusion, the level of validation of both tests is similar, and there are no reasons to issue a different recommendation for these two tests.On the contrary: if there is a choice between an FDA-cleared test and a "home brew" alternative, is there really a choice?