Genomic Health

Genomic Health, established in 2000, positioned itself at the forefront of applying genomic data to cancer care. The company was founded by Randy Scott, who previously co-founded and served as CEO of Incyte, a genomics company.

The firm's core business revolved around the development and commercialization of genomic-based diagnostic tests designed to personalize cancer treatment. A primary objective was to address the significant issue of overtreatment in oncology, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Genomic Health operated in the global oncology diagnostics market, serving physicians and their patients who were navigating cancer treatment decisions. Its revenue model was based on the sale of these specialized diagnostic tests. The company was publicly traded under the ticker GHDX before its acquisition.

Central to its offerings was the Oncotype IQ Genomic Intelligence Platform, which translated complex genomic data into actionable insights for treatment planning. The flagship product line, the Oncotype DX portfolio, included tests for breast, colon, and prostate cancer. For instance, the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score assessed the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit and cancer recurrence in invasive breast cancer, while the Genomic Prostate Score predicted disease aggressiveness. These tests were utilized for over 750,000 patients globally, providing a detailed biological profile of a tumor to guide treatment choices. In a significant corporate milestone, Exact Sciences Corp. acquired Genomic Health in a cash and stock deal valued at approximately $2.8 billion, a transaction that was completed in November 2019.

Keywords: genomic diagnostics, cancer care, personalized medicine, oncology, diagnostic tests, molecular diagnostics, breast cancer, prostate cancer, overtreatment, treatment planning