The impact of the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score on treatment decisions and clinical outcomes in patients with early breast cancer: the Maccabi Healthcare Services experience with a unified testing policy.

The Oncotype DX Recurrence Score is a validated prognosticator in oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. Our retrospective analysis of a prospectively defined cohort summarises the clinical implications associated with Oncotype DX testing according to the Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS) policy. The MHS eligibility criteria for testing included ER+ N0/pN1mic invasive tumours, discussion of test implications with an oncologist, ductal carcinoma 0.

Gender-associated differences in urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection referrals and results among dyspeptic patients.

Aim: To verify whether there is a gender difference in the (13)C-urea breath test results in a large cohort.

Methods: The test results of dyspeptic patients referred for (13)C-urea breath testing between January and December, 2007 were evaluated. Testing was carried out at the health insurance organization branches and evaluated at a central laboratory in Israel.

[Identification of K-RAS mutations in colorectal cancer patients in Israel].

Background: Activating mutations of the oncogene K-RAS are a common finding within cells of malignant, sporadic colorectal cancer. The existence of such mutations endows the tumor with proliferation potential which is independent of external stimuli by growth factors such as the epidermal growth factor of upstream receptor (EGFR]. Hence, anticancer, novel biologic drugs, aimed at inhibiting the EGFR, such as cetuximab, are rendered ineffective in cases of colorectal cancer harboring activated K-RAS.

Do urea breath test (UBT) referrals for Helicobacter pylori testing match the clinical guidelines in primary care practice? A prospective observational study.

Background: Various international guidelines recommend the use of non-endoscopic tests [such as urea breath test (UBT)] for the evaluation of dyspeptic patients, unless endoscopy is clinically indicated.

Aim: To assess adherence with guidelines for UBT referrals among primary care doctors in Israel.

Methods: Patients referred by primary care doctors to an open-access UBT service were included in the study.