WO2024073659A1 - Biomarker assay to select breast cancer therapy - Google Patents

Biomarker assay to select breast cancer therapy Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024073659A1
WO2024073659A1 PCT/US2023/075506 US2023075506W WO2024073659A1 WO 2024073659 A1 WO2024073659 A1 WO 2024073659A1 US 2023075506 W US2023075506 W US 2023075506W WO 2024073659 A1 WO2024073659 A1 WO 2024073659A1
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Prior art keywords
hoxb13
il17br
breast cancer
rna expression
ratio
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PCT/US2023/075506
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French (fr)
Inventor
Yi Zhang
Kai Treuner
Catherine A. Schnabel
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Biotheranostics, Inc.
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Publication of WO2024073659A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024073659A1/en

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6876—Nucleic acid products used in the analysis of nucleic acids, e.g. primers or probes
    • C12Q1/6883—Nucleic acid products used in the analysis of nucleic acids, e.g. primers or probes for diseases caused by alterations of genetic material
    • C12Q1/6886—Nucleic acid products used in the analysis of nucleic acids, e.g. primers or probes for diseases caused by alterations of genetic material for cancer
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q2600/00—Oligonucleotides characterized by their use
    • C12Q2600/112—Disease subtyping, staging or classification
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q2600/00—Oligonucleotides characterized by their use
    • C12Q2600/118—Prognosis of disease development
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q2600/00—Oligonucleotides characterized by their use
    • C12Q2600/158—Expression markers

Definitions

  • the disclosure concerns diagnostic testing of a breast cancer sample for the purpose of predicting, selecting, determining, recommending, or administering an appropriate therapy.
  • Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer among women. Indeed, this cancer is the leading cause of death for women between ages 50-55 and is the most common non- preventable malignancy in women in the Western Hemisphere. Breast cancer ranks second only to lung cancer among causes of cancer deaths in women. Nearly 86% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to still be alive five years later, though 24% of them will die of breast cancer after 10 years, and nearly half (47%) will die of breast cancer after 20 years.
  • Breast tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous, they do not spread to other parts of the body, and they are not a threat to life. They can usually be removed, and in most cases, do not come back. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Malignant tumor cells may metastasize, for example by entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system. When breast cancer cells metastasize outside the breast, they are often found in the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes).
  • Tamoxifen is the antiestrogen agent most frequently prescribed in women with both early stage and metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (for reviews, see Clarke, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 R. et al. "Antiestrogen resistance in breast cancer and the role of estrogen receptor signaling.” Oncogene 22: 7316-39 (2003) and Jordan, C. "Historical perspective on hormonal therapy of advanced breast Cancer.” Clin. Ther. 24 Suppl A, A3-16 (2002)).
  • 9,856,533 discloses techniques for identification and use of gene expression profiles or patterns with clinical relevance to the treatment of breast cancer using tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and other "antiestrogen” agents against breast cancer.
  • the other relevant agents include selective estrogen receptor modulators ("SERM”s), selective estrogen receptor downregulators (“SERD”s), and aromatase inhibitors ("AI”s).
  • SERM selective estrogen receptor modulators
  • SESD selective estrogen receptor downregulators
  • AI aromatase inhibitors
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, the method Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre-menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) treating the pre-menopausal woman with (i) a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen), if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not received adjuvant endocrine therapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old.
  • the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio
  • step (c) comprises treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • the steroid aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(i) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) are different from each other. In some embodiments of the method of treating, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(i) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) are the same as each other. In some embodiments, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in each of steps (c)(i) and (c)(ii) is tamoxifen. [0012] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the ovarian function suppression in step (c)(ii) comprises surgical or chemical ovarian ablation.
  • step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction to measure expression levels of HOXB13 RNA and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample.
  • the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction.
  • the breast cancer cell sample is selected from the group consisting of a formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sample, a ductal lavage sample, and a fine needle aspiration sample.
  • the breast cancer cell sample is a section of biopsy tissue or comprises cells dissected therefrom.
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is expressed as ⁇ C T , wherein C T is the PCR amplification cycle in which the HOXB13 or IL17BR RNA reaches a threshold amount, and wherein ⁇ CT is the CT difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA.
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of treating a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre- menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; (c) determining, or having determined, that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (d) after step (c), treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not received adjuvant endocrine therapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
  • LN0 lymph-node negative
  • the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
  • step (d) comprises treating the pre- menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • the steroid aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the ovarian function suppression in step (d) comprises surgical or chemical ovarian ablation.
  • step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample.
  • the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction.
  • the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction.
  • step (b) is carried out using a computer.
  • the breast cancer cell sample is selected from the group consisting of a formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sample, a ductal lavage sample, and a fine needle aspiration sample.
  • the breast cancer cell sample is a section of biopsy tissue or comprises cells dissected therefrom.
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is expressed as ⁇ C T , wherein C T is the PCR amplification cycle in which the HOXB13 or IL17BR RNA reaches a threshold amount, and wherein ⁇ CT is the CT difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA.
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of identifying a therapy appropriate for a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre-menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) identifying the therapy appropriate for the pre-menopausal woman as either (i) a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen), if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2- negative.
  • LN0 lymph-node negative
  • the breast cancer is HER2- negative.
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and step (c) comprises identifying the therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • the steroid aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(i) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) are different from each other.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(i) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) are the same as each other.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator in each of steps (c)(i) and (c)(ii) is tamoxifen.
  • the selective Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) is tamoxifen.
  • step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample.
  • the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction.
  • the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction.
  • step (b) is automated by a computer.
  • step (c) is automated by a computer.
  • the method further comprises step (d) of recording in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a), and the therapy identified in step (c).
  • the non-transient form of recording comprises printing on paper.
  • the non-transient form of recording comprises saving electronically to a computer hard drive.
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of identifying a therapy appropriate for a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre-menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; (c) determining, or having determined, that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a) is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (d) identifying the therapy appropriate for the pre-menopausal woman as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
  • LN0 lymph-node negative
  • the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
  • the method further comprises step (e) of recording in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a), and the therapy identified in step (d).
  • the non-transient form of recording comprises printing on paper.
  • the non-transient form of recording comprises saving electronically to a computer hard drive.
  • the aromatase inhibitor in step (d) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • the aromatase inhibitor in step (d) is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor.
  • step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample.
  • the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction.
  • the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction.
  • each of steps (b) and (c) are automated by a computer.
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of predicting the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression for a pre-menopausal Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre-menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) predicting no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tam
  • the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample.
  • the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction.
  • the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction.
  • each of steps (b) and (c) are automated by a computer.
  • Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0044]
  • the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes.
  • the present disclosure provides a system that analyzes nucleic acids of a breast cancer cell sample and identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, where the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) compare the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen), if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR
  • the present disclosure provides a system that analyzes nucleic acids of a breast cancer cell sample and predicts the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) compare the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) predict no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor
  • the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the system further comprises an output device in communication with the computer, where the output device is either a video monitor or a printer.
  • the system further comprises a recording device in communication with the computer, where the recording device creates a non-transient record of at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in step (b)(i), and the appropriate breast cancer therapy identified in or the prediction of step (b)(iii).
  • the non-transient record comprises a record printed on paper.
  • the non-transient record comprises an electronic record saved to computer- readable media.
  • the apparatus comprises an instrument that amplifies nucleic acid and monitors synthesis of amplification products as amplification is occurring.
  • the instrument is a real-time PCR instrument that carries out thermal cycling and monitors fluorescent emissions indicating formation of amplification products.
  • the apparatus further quantifies RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in the breast cancer cell sample, where the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and where the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (b)(i) is calculated using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen).
  • an adjuvant endocrine therapy e.g., tamoxifen
  • the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old.
  • the pre- menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old.
  • the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0).
  • the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
  • the present disclosure provides a system that identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy using nucleic acid analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, where the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor.
  • the present disclosure provides a system that predicts the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression using nucleic acid analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor.
  • the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period.
  • Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0055]
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the system further comprises an output device in communication with the computer, where the output device is either a video monitor or a printer.
  • the system further comprises a recording device in communication with the computer, where the recording device creates a non-transient record of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels.
  • the non- transient record comprises a record printed on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient record comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media. [0057] In some embodiments of the system, the apparatus comprises an instrument that amplifies nucleic acid and monitors synthesis of amplification products as amplification is occurring. [0058] In some embodiments of the system, the instrument is a real-time PCR instrument that carries out thermal cycling and monitors fluorescent emissions indicating formation of amplification products.
  • the apparatus further quantifies RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in the breast cancer cell sample, where the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and where the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (b)(i) is calculated using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen).
  • the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old.
  • the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
  • the present disclosure provides a computer programmed with software instructions to select an appropriate breast cancer therapy from analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above or below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as either (i) a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen), if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined threshold ratio,
  • the present disclosure provides a computer programmed with software instructions to predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression based on analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above or below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression such that the computer predicts no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatas
  • the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the input signals in (a) comprise fluorescent input signals.
  • the fluorescent input signals were measured during a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction.
  • the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction was carried out using a thermal cycling device in communication with the computer.
  • the predetermined threshold ratio in (c) is a numerical constant.
  • the non-transient record in (e) comprises a record printed on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient record in (e) comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media.
  • the software instructions when executed by the computer, further cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in addition to expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA, (b) first calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and then calculate the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen).
  • an adjuvant endocrine therapy e.g., tamoxifen
  • the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old.
  • the pre- menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old.
  • the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0).
  • the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
  • the present disclosure provides a computer programmed with software instructions to identify an appropriate breast cancer therapy from analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR
  • the present disclosure provides a computer programmed with software instructions to predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression based on analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA
  • the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the input signals in (a) comprise fluorescent input signals.
  • the fluorescent input signals were measured during a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction.
  • the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction was carried out using a thermal cycling device in communication with the computer.
  • the predetermined threshold ratio in (c) is a numerical constant.
  • the non-transient record in (e) comprises a record printed on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient record in (e) comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media.
  • Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0075]
  • the software instructions when executed by the computer, further cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in addition to expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA, (b) first calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and then calculate the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen).
  • an adjuvant endocrine therapy e.g., tamoxifen
  • the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old.
  • the pre- menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old.
  • the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0).
  • the breast cancer is HER2-negative. Brief Description of the Drawings [0077] Figs.
  • FIG. 1A-1C present Kaplan-Meier analyses obtained for the overall patient population, where each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis).
  • Fig. 1A presents results for the overall (i.e., unselected) population.
  • Fig. 1B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category.
  • Fig. 1C presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)- High category.
  • Figs. 2A-2B present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the HER2-negative subset population. Each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis).
  • Fig. 2A presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that also were HER2-negative.
  • Fig. 2B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that also were HER2-negative.
  • Figs. 3A-3D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the subset population that either received chemotherapy (“Chemo”), or did not receive chemotherapy (“No Chemo”). Each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis).
  • Fig. 3A presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that received chemotherapy.
  • Fig. 3B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that received Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 chemotherapy.
  • Fig. 3C presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that did not receive chemotherapy.
  • Fig. 3D presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that did not receive chemotherapy.
  • Figs. 4A-4D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the subset population that either was lymph node-negative (“LN0”), or lymph node-positive (“LN+”). Each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis).
  • LN0 lymph node-negative
  • LN+ lymph node-positive
  • Figs. 5A-5D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the population divided into age subsets. Each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis). Fig.
  • FIGs. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an automated analytical system.
  • a “biopsy sample” or “breast tissue sample” or “breast cell sample” refers to a sample of breast tissue or fluid isolated from an individual suspected of being afflicted with, or at risk of developing, breast cancer.
  • a “breast cancer cell sample” refers to a sample of breast cancer cells from a woman diagnosed with breast cancer (e.g., following microscopic examination). Such samples are primary isolates (in contrast to cultured cells) and may be collected by any non-invasive or minimally invasive means, including, but not limited to, ductal lavage, fine needle aspiration, needle biopsy, the devices and methods described in U.S. Patent 6,328,709, or any other suitable means recognized in the art.
  • the "sample” may be collected by an invasive method, including, but not limited to, surgical biopsy.
  • an invasive method including, but not limited to, surgical biopsy.
  • HR(+) hormone receptor-positive breast cancer refers to breast cancer cells positive for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or both.
  • an “adjuvant” therapy is an additional therapy that is given in addition to a primary or initial therapy (e.g., surgery) to maximize its effectiveness.
  • adjuvant endocrine therapy refers to endocrine therapy that is administered to a patient following an initial treatment for breast cancer (e.g., surgical removal of at least a portion of a breast tumor).
  • Breast cancer cells that are hormone receptor-positive express receptor proteins that attach to estrogen or progesterone. This interaction can stimulate cancer cell growth. Treatment that stops or inhibits estrogen or progesterone from attaching to their cognate receptors is called hormone therapy or “endocrine therapy.” Tamoxifen is an example medication that inhibits interaction of estrogen and the estrogen receptor.
  • ovarian function suppression (“OFS”) refers to a treatment or procedure to prevent the ovaries from making estrogen.
  • OFS include surgical or chemical ovarian ablation, each of which will be familiar to those having an ordinary level of skill in the art.
  • Non-limiting examples of the latter include synthetic analogs of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), such as goserelin (generic), or triptorelin (generic).
  • GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone
  • “Expression” and “gene expression” include transcription and/or translation of nucleic acid material. In certain preferred embodiments, the terms refer to synthesis or production of RNA or mRNA (e.g., from a DNA template).
  • amplify is used in the broad sense to mean creating an amplification product that can be made enzymatically with a DNA or RNA polymerase (including a reverse transcriptase).
  • amplification or “nucleic acid amplification” or “polynucleotide amplification” and the like is meant any known procedure for obtaining multiple copies, allowing for RNA and DNA equivalents, of a target polynucleotide sequence or its complement or fragments thereof.
  • Multiple copies mean at least two copies.
  • a "copy” does not necessarily mean perfect sequence complementarity or identity to the template sequence.
  • RNA may be directly labeled as the corresponding cDNA by methods known in the art.
  • a "gene” is a polynucleotide that encodes a discrete product, whether RNA or proteinaceous in nature. It is appreciated that more than one polynucleotide may be capable of encoding a discrete product.
  • the term includes alleles and polymorphisms of a gene that encodes the same product, or a functionally associated (including gain, loss, or modulation of function) analog thereof, based upon chromosomal location and ability to recombine during normal mitosis.
  • target or “target nucleic acid” or “target polynucleotide” is meant a polynucleotide containing a sequence that is to be amplified, detected, and/or quantified.
  • a target polynucleotide sequence that is to be amplified preferably will be positioned between two oppositely disposed amplification oligonucleotides (e.g., primers), and will include the portion of the target polynucleotide that is complementary to each of the oligonucleotides.
  • a "polynucleotide” is a polymeric form of nucleotides, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides, of any length. This term refers only to the primary structure of the molecule. Thus, this term includes double- and single-stranded DNA and RNA.
  • an "oligonucleotide” or “oligomer” is a polymeric chain of at least two, generally between about five and about 100, chemical subunits, each subunit comprising a nucleotide base moiety, a sugar moiety, and a linking moiety that joins the subunits in a linear spatial configuration.
  • Oligonucleotides may optionally include analogs of any of the sugar moieties, the base moieties, and the backbone constituents. Preferred oligonucleotides of the present invention fall in a size range of about 10 to about 100 residues. Oligonucleotides may be purified from naturally occurring sources, but preferably are synthesized using any of a variety of well-known enzymatic or chemical methods.
  • amplification oligonucleotide or “amplification oligomer” is meant an oligomer that hybridizes to a target polynucleotide, or its complement, and participates in a polynucleotide amplification reaction.
  • amplification oligomers include primers Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 that contain a 3'-end that is extended as part of the amplification process, but also include oligomers that are not extended by a polymerase (e.g., a 3'-blocked oligomer) but may participate in, or facilitate efficient amplification from a primer.
  • Preferred size ranges for amplification oligomers include those that are about 10 to about 80 nucleotides long, or 10 to about 60 nucleotides long and contain at least about 10 contiguous bases, and more preferably at least 12 contiguous bases that are complementary to a region of the target polynucleotide sequence (or a complementary strand thereof).
  • the contiguous bases are preferably at least about 80%, more preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably about 100% complementary to the target sequence to which amplification oligomer binds.
  • Amplification oligomers optionally include modified nucleotides or analogs, or additional nucleotides that participate in an amplification reaction but are not complementary to or contained in the target polynucleotide.
  • a “primer” is an amplification oligomer that hybridizes to a template polynucleotide and has a 3'-OH end that can be extended by a DNA polymerase.
  • the 5' region of the primer may be non-complementary to the target polynucleotide (e.g., a promoter sequence), resulting in an oligomer referred to as a “promoter-primer.”
  • a promoter-primer any oligomer that can function as a primer can be modified to include a 5' promoter sequence, and thus could function as a promoter-primer.
  • any promoter-primer can be modified by removal of, or synthesis without, a promoter sequence and still function as a primer.
  • thermal cycling refers to repeated changes of temperature, (i.e., increases or decreases of temperature) in a reaction mixture.
  • a “probe” is an oligonucleotide that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence in a polynucleotide, preferably in an amplified polynucleotide, under conditions that promote hybridization, to form a detectable hybrid.
  • Certain preferred probes include a detectable label (e.g., a fluorescent label or chemiluminescent label).
  • label refers to a composition capable of producing a detectable signal indicative of the presence of the labeled molecule. Suitable labels include radioisotopes, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 nucleotide chromophores, enzymes, substrates, fluorescent molecules, chemiluminescent moieties, magnetic particles, bioluminescent moieties, and the like. As such, a label is any composition detectable by spectroscopic, photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical, electrical, optical, or chemical means.
  • Detection includes any means of detecting, including direct and indirect detection of gene expression and changes therein.
  • a "sequence” or "gene sequence” as used herein is a nucleic acid molecule or polynucleotide composed of a discrete order of nucleotide bases.
  • the term includes the ordering of bases that encodes a discrete product (i.e., "coding region"), whether RNA or proteinaceous in nature, as well as the ordered bases that precede or follow a "coding region". Non-limiting examples of the latter include 5' and 3' untranslated regions of a gene.
  • a gene expression "pattern” or “profile” or “signature” refers to the relative expression of genes correlated with responsiveness to a breast cancer treatment. Responsiveness or lack thereof may be expressed as survival outcomes which are correlated with an expression "pattern” or “profile” or “signature” that is able to distinguish between, and predict, the outcomes.
  • correlate or “correlation” or equivalents thereof refer to an association between expression of one or more genes and a physiological response of a breast cancer cell and/or a breast cancer patient in comparison to the lack of the response.
  • a gene may be expressed at higher or lower levels and still be correlated with responsiveness, non- responsiveness or breast cancer survival or outcome. Expression levels can be readily determined by quantitative methods as described below.
  • corresponding it is meant that a nucleic acid molecule shares a substantial amount of sequence identity with another nucleic acid molecule.
  • Substantial amount means at least 95%, usually at least 98% and more usually at least 99%, and sequence identity is determined using the BLAST algorithm (e.g., using the published default settings), as described by Altschul et al., in J. Mol. Biol.215:403-410 (1990). Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0104]
  • a "microarray” is a linear or two-dimensional or three-dimensional (and solid phase) array of preferably discrete regions, each having a defined area, formed on the surface of a solid support such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or synthetic membrane.
  • the density of the discrete regions on a microarray is determined by the total numbers of immobilized polynucleotides to be detected on the surface of a single solid phase support, preferably at least about 50/cm 2 , more preferably at least about 100/cm 2 , even more preferably at least about 500/cm 2 , but preferably below about 1,000/cm 2 .
  • the arrays contain less than about 500, about 1000, about 1500, about 2000, about 2500, or about 3000 immobilized polynucleotides in total.
  • a DNA microarray is an array of oligonucleotides or polynucleotides placed on a chip or other surfaces used to hybridize to amplified or cloned polynucleotides from a sample. Since the position of each particular group of primers in the array is known, the identities of a sample of polynucleotides can be determined based on their binding to a particular position in the microarray.
  • an array of any size may be used in the practice of the invention, including an arrangement of one or more position of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional arrangement in a solid phase to detect expression of a single gene sequence.
  • a microarray is used in a hybridization-based assay to quantify HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA (e.g., mRNA) expression, optionally following amplification of these nucleic acid targets.
  • support refers to conventional supports such as beads, particles, dipsticks, fibers, filters, membranes and silane or silicate supports such as glass slides.
  • a “nucleic acid analyzer” (or sometimes “polynucleotide analyzer”) is an apparatus or instrument that amplifies, detects, and/or quantifies polynucleotide analytes.
  • Certain preferred nucleic acid analyzers include a temperature-controlled incubator (e.g., a block, plate, or chamber), a fluorometer in optical communication with contents of the temperature-controlled incubator, and one or more computers or processors that process data gathered by the fluorometer to quantify a polynucleotide analyte of interest.
  • preferred nucleic acid analyzers perform enzyme-based reactions that amplify or increase the number of copies of a target nucleic acid that is to be quantified.
  • “signal amplification” is used to detect and/or quantify the target nucleic acid that is to be quantified.
  • reference genes are genes that are transcribed or expressed at relatively constant levels across samples so they can be used as benchmarks for normalizing Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 expression levels of target genes. Normalized target gene expression levels can then be compared across different samples. In some preferred cases, target gene expression levels are normalized to the average expression level of a plurality of reference genes.
  • a “computer” is an electronic device capable of receiving and processing input information using software instructions to generate an output.
  • the computer may be a standalone device (e.g., a personal computer), or may be an integrated component of an instrument (e.g., a nucleic acid analyzer that amplifies a polynucleotide target and monitors synthesis of amplification products as a function of reaction cycle number or time).
  • an instrument e.g., a nucleic acid analyzer that amplifies a polynucleotide target and monitors synthesis of amplification products as a function of reaction cycle number or time.
  • an embedded processor resident within an analyzer instrument, and harboring embedded software instructions (sometimes referred to a “firmware”).
  • a “system” is an arrangement of parts or components organized to cooperate with one another.
  • a system may include an instrument that detects nucleic acids in a sequence-specific manner, and a computer programmed with software to analyze results, where the computer and the instrument are in communication with each other.
  • an “apparatus” generally refers to the collection of equipment (e.g., tools, instruments, etc.) needed for a particular purpose or function.
  • an “instrument” is a tool, device, or implement for performing a task.
  • an instrument is a device contained within a single housing or situated on common support structure (e.g., a single chassis).
  • the phrase “as a function of” describes the relationship between a dependent variable (i.e., a variable that depends on one or more other variables) and an independent variable (i.e., a variable that may have its value freely chosen without considering the values of any other variables), wherein each input value for the independent variable relates to exactly one output value for the dependent variable.
  • Increases may be of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, or 200% relative to expression levels in normal cells.
  • fold increases may be of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10-fold over expression levels in normal cells.
  • Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 Decreases may be of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 99 or 100% relative to expression levels in normal cells.
  • absolute benefit is a measure of improvement between results from two different treatment or therapeutic regimens.
  • the absolute benefit due to the combination of tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen alone can be the difference in risk of recurrence between the two treatment arms.
  • Conditions that "allow” an event to occur or conditions that are "suitable” for an event to occur, such as hybridization, strand extension, and the like, or “suitable” conditions are conditions that do not prevent such events from occurring. Thus, these conditions permit, enhance, facilitate, and/or are conducive to the event.
  • Such conditions known in the art and described herein, depend upon, for example, the nature of the nucleotide sequence, temperature, and buffer conditions.
  • Sequence "mutation,” as used herein, refers to any alteration in the sequence of a gene disclosed herein in comparison to a reference sequence.
  • a sequence mutation includes single nucleotide changes, or alterations of more than one nucleotide in a sequence, due to mechanisms such as substitution, deletion, or insertion.
  • Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is also a sequence mutation as used herein. Because the present invention is based on the relative level of gene expression, mutations in non-coding regions of genes as disclosed herein may also be assayed in the practice of the invention.
  • Kit is meant a packaged combination of materials, typically intended for use in conjunction with each other. Kits in accordance with the invention may include instructions or other information in a “tangible” form (e.g., printed information, electronically recorded on a computer-readable medium, or otherwise recorded on a machine-readable medium such as a bar code for storing numerical values).
  • a “tangible” form e.g., printed information, electronically recorded on a computer-readable medium, or otherwise recorded on a machine-readable medium such as a bar code for storing numerical values.
  • the term “comprising” and its cognates are used in their inclusive sense; that is, equivalent to the term “including” and its corresponding cognates.
  • Consisting essentially of is meant that additional component(s), composition(s) or method step(s) that do not materially change the basic and novel characteristics of the present invention may be included in the present invention.
  • the therapeutic regimen includes a treatment that suppresses ovarian function in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor.
  • a gene expression signature based on the ratio of measured HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA or mRNA expression levels stratified patients into therapeutic treatment categories. The procedures presented below assessed the prognostic and predictive abilities of the assay in pre-menopausal women treated for 5-years with: (1) OFS and exemestane; (2) OFS and tamoxifen; or (3) tamoxifen alone. Results from the procedure demonstrated that the assay was useful as a gene expression-based signature that allowed assessment of every patient’s benefit based on the unique genomic profile of their tumor.
  • HOXB13:IL17BR ratio-based assay was used to assess the risk of overall (0-10 years) and late (post-5 years) distant recurrence (DR), and to predict the likelihood of benefit from extended endocrine therapy in early-stage HR(+) breast cancer.
  • DR distant recurrence
  • the present invention proceeds opposite the guidance embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533 to establish appropriate breast cancer therapies.
  • pre-menopausal breast cancer patients who are HR(+) are treated with a SERM (e.g., tamoxifen) if the (H/I) ratio is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio (i.e., so called “tamoxifen non-responders” according to U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533).
  • SERM e.g., tamoxifen
  • pre-menopausal breast cancer patients who are HR(+) are treated with the combination of ovarian function suppression and either a SERM or an aromatase inhibitor if the (H/I) ratio is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio (i.e., so called “tamoxifen responders” according to U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533).
  • a "selective estrogen receptor modulator” or SERM is an "antiestrogen” agent that in some tissues act like estrogens (agonist) but block estrogen action in other tissues (antagonist).
  • selective estrogen receptor downregulators or "SERD”s
  • SERMs of the invention are those that are antagonists of estrogen in breast tissues and cells, including those of breast cancer.
  • Non-limiting examples of such include tamoxifen, raloxifene, GW5638, and ICI 182,780.
  • SERMs The possible mechanisms of action by various SERMs have been reviewed (see for example Jordan et al., 2003, Breast Cancer Res. 5:281-283; Hall et al., 2001, J. Biol. Chem. 276(40):36869-36872; Dutertre et al. 2000, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 295(2):431-437; and Wijayaratne et al., 1999, Endocrinology 140(12):5828-5840).
  • SERMs in the context of the invention include triphenylethylenes, such as tamoxifen, GW5638, TAT-59, clomiphene, toremifene, droloxifene, and idoxifene; benzothiophenes, such as arzoxiphene (LY353381 or LY353381-HC1); benzopyrans, such as EM-800; and naphthalenes, such as CP-336,156; and ERA-923.
  • triphenylethylenes such as tamoxifen, GW5638, TAT-59, clomiphene, toremifene, droloxifene, and idoxifene
  • benzothiophenes such as arzoxiphene (LY353381 or LY353381-HC1)
  • benzopyrans such as EM-800
  • naphthalenes such as CP-336,156; and ERA-923.
  • SERM anti-progesterone receptor inhibitors and related drugs, such as progestomimetics like medroxyprogesterone acetate, megace, and RU-486; and peptide-based inhibitors of ER action, such as LH-RH analogs (leuprolide, zoladex, [D- Trp6]LH-RH), somatostatin analogs, and LXXLL motif mimics of ER as well as tibolone and resveratrol.
  • preferred SERMs of the invention are those that are antagonists of estrogen in breast tissues and cells, including those of breast cancer.
  • Non-limiting examples of preferred SERMs include the actual or contemplated metabolites (in vivo) of any SERM, such as, but not limited to, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (metabolite of tamoxifen), EM652 (or SCH 57068 where EM-800 is a prodrug of EM-652), and GW7604 (metabolite of GW5638). See Willson et al. (1997, Endocrinology 138(9):3901-3911) and Dauvois et al. (1992, Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci., USA 89:4037- 4041) for discussions of some specific SERMs.
  • Non-limiting examples of SERD or "pure” antiestrogens include agents such as ICI 182,780 (fulvestrant or faslodex) or the oral analogue SR16243 and ZK 191703 as well as aromatase inhibitors and chemical ovarian ablation agents as described herein or familiar to the ordinary skilled artisan.
  • Aromatase Inhibitors Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0128]
  • Aromatase inhibitors are a class of antiestrogens used to treat breast cancer. Some breast cancers require estrogen to grow. Those cancers possess estrogen receptors (ERs), and are called ER-positive (ER(+)).
  • Aromatase inhibitors block the synthesis of estrogen by the aromatase enzyme. This lowers the estrogen level, and can slow the growth of breast cancers.
  • Aromatase inhibitors There are two types of aromatase inhibitors approved to treat breast cancer. First, there are “irreversible” steroidal inhibitors, such as exemestane (Aromasin). These agents form a permanent and deactivating bond with the aromatase enzyme. Second, there are non- steroidal inhibitors, such as the triazoles anastrozole (Arimidex) and letrozole (Femara). These agents inhibit the estrogen synthesis via reversible competition.
  • Ovarian Function Suppression Prior to menopause, estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries. Ovarian function suppression stops or lowers the amount of estrogen made by the ovaries. This can involve surgery to remove both ovaries (oophorectomy), radiation therapy, or use of certain drugs. Surgical oophorectomy causes an immediate and permanent drop in ovarian steroid hormone production. Radiation-induced ovarian ablation is a simple outpatient approach, but can be incomplete or delayed in some women. Time-limited ovarian function suppression can be achieved with luteinizing hormone or gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH or GnRH) agonists.
  • LHRH or GnRH gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone
  • LHRH agonists are safe and reversible with no permanent ovarian dysfunction and with a side effect profile related to menopausal estrogen deprivation symptoms.
  • Triptorelin is a particular example of a medication that acts as an agonist of gonadotropin releasing hormone. In some cases, once drug therapy is stopped the ovaries begin making estrogen again.
  • SOFT Ovarian Function Trial
  • IBCSG International Breast Cancer Study Group
  • Biomarker Assay used in the below-described procedures is essentially described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. More specifically, this reference teaches: performing amplification reactions; determining HOXB13 and IL17BR expression level ratios (i.e., “(H/I) ratios”) from the amplification reactions; setting an expression level threshold ratio from a training set of data (i.e., a “pre- determined” HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio); and establishing whether the determined (H/I) ratios were above or below the pre-determined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio.
  • a training set of data i.e., a “pre- determined” HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio
  • This assay which is based on comparing expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA as a ratio, was originally developed to assess breast cancer sensitivity to tamoxifen treatment. It was discovered that HOXB13 was differentially overexpressed in tamoxifen- nonresponsive cases. Conversely, IL17BR was overexpressed in tamoxifen-responsive cases. Comparing expression levels of these two genes as a ratio (i.e., the “HOXB13:IL17BR ratio” or “(H/I) ratio”) represented a convenient method for assessing potential benefit from treatment, or continued treatment, with tamoxifen. Moreover, use of the ratio gave better results than either marker by itself.
  • HOXB13:IL17BR ratios above a threshold level were associated with an outcome that included cancer recurrence via metastasis following tamoxifen treatment.
  • the disclosure further taught that patients providing tumor samples characterized by (H/I) ratios above a threshold level would benefit from treatment with a therapy other than tamoxifen.
  • Such alternative treatments included treatment with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), a selective estrogen receptor downregulator (SERD), or an aromatase inhibitor (AI).
  • SERM selective estrogen receptor modulator
  • SESD selective estrogen receptor downregulator
  • AI aromatase inhibitor
  • Ratios of HOXB13 expression to IL17BR expression can be indicated by ratios of or about 1.1, of or about 1.2, of or about 1.3, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 of or about 1.4, of or about 1.5, of or about 1.6, of or about 1.7, of or about 1.8, of or about 1.9, of or about 2, of or about 2.5, of or about 3, of or about 3.5, of or about 4, of or about 4.5, of or about 5, of or about 5.5, of or about 6, of or about 6.5, of or about 7, of or about 7.5, of or about 8, of or about 8.5, of or about 9, of or about 9.5, of or about 10, of or about 15, of or about 20, of or about 30, of or about 40, of or about 50, of or about 60, of or about 70, of or about 80, of or about 90, of or about 100, of or about or about
  • Increases in IL17BR and/or decreases in HOXB13 expression can be indicated by ratios of or about 0.9, of or about 0.8, of or about 0.7, of or about 0.6, of or about 0.5, of or about 0.4, of or about 0.3, of or about 0.2, of or about 0.1, of or about 0.05, of or about 0.01, of or about 0.005, of or about 0.001, of or about 0.0005, of or about 0.0001, of or about 0.00005, of or about 0.00001, of or about 0.000005, or of or about 0.000001.
  • one embodiment of the invention involves determining expression by hybridization of mRNA, or an amplified or cloned version thereof, of a sample cell to a polynucleotide that is unique to a particular gene sequence.
  • Preferred polynucleotides of this type contain at least about 16, at least about 18, at least about 20, at least about 22, at least about 24, at least about 26, at least about 28, at least about 30, or at least about 32 consecutive base pairs of a gene sequence that is not found in other gene sequences.
  • the term "about” as used in the previous sentence refers to an increase or decrease of 1 from the stated numerical value.
  • the term "about” as used in the preceding sentence refers to an increase or decrease of 10% from the stated numerical value. Longer polynucleotides may of course contain minor mismatches (e.g., via the presence of mutations) which do not affect hybridization to the nucleic acids of a sample.
  • polynucleotides may also be referred to as polynucleotide probes that are capable of hybridizing to sequences of the genes, or unique portions thereof, described herein. Such polynucleotides may be labeled to assist in their detection.
  • the sequences are those of mRNA encoded by the genes, the corresponding cDNA to such mRNAs, and/or amplified versions of such sequences.
  • the polynucleotide probes are immobilized on an array, other solid support device, or in individual spots that localize the probes.
  • a ratio of the expression of a gene sequence expressed at increased levels in correlation with the phenotype to the expression of a gene sequence expressed at decreased levels in correlation with the phenotype may also be used as an indicator of the phenotype.
  • the phenotype of responsiveness to tamoxifen treatment of breast cancer is correlated with increased expression of HOXB13 as well as decreased expression of IL17BR. Therefore, a ratio of the expression levels of HOXB13 to IL17BR may be used as an indicator of responsiveness.
  • all or part of referenced sequences may be amplified and detected by methods such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and variations thereof, such as, but not limited to, quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), reverse transcription PCR (RT- PCR), and real-time PCR (including as a means of measuring the initial amounts of mRNA copies for each sequence in a sample), optionally real-time RT- PCR or real-time Q-PCR.
  • PCR polymerase chain reaction
  • Q-PCR quantitative PCR
  • RT- PCR reverse transcription PCR
  • real-time PCR including as a means of measuring the initial amounts of mRNA copies for each sequence in a sample
  • Such methods would utilize one or two primers that are complementary to portions of a disclosed sequence, where the primers are used to prime nucleic acid synthesis.
  • the newly synthesized nucleic acids are optionally labeled and may be detected directly or by hybridization to a polynucleotide of the invention.
  • the newly synthesized nucleic acids may be contacted with polynucleotides (containing sequences) of the disclosure under conditions which allow for their hybridization. Additional methods to detect the expression of expressed nucleic acids include RNAse protection assays, liquid phase hybridizations, hybridization to microarrays, and in situ hybridization of cells.
  • Preferred Polynucleotide Amplification Methods include, but are not limited to: the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Transcription Mediated Amplification (TMA), Single-Primer Nucleic Acid Amplification, Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification (NASBA), Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA), Self-Sustained Sequence Replication (3SR), DNA Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR) and amplification methods using self-replicating polynucleotide molecules and replication enzymes such as MDV-1 RNA and Q-beta enzyme. Methods for carrying out these various amplification techniques respectively can be found in U.S. Patent No.
  • Real-time amplification and detection for quantifying polynucleotide analytes is highly preferred for use in connection with the disclosed technique, and is subject to alternative data processing procedures with good results in each case.
  • mathematical and computing techniques that will be familiar to those having an ordinary level of skill in the art can be used to identify the time of occurrence of the maximum of the first derivative, or the time of occurrence of the maximum of the second derivative of a real-time run curve.
  • Approaches for determining these features of a growth curve have been detailed by Wittwer et al., in U.S. Patent No. 6,503,720, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
  • TTime and “TArc.”
  • Different approaches for determining TArc values employ directionally similar vectors (i.e., resulting in a value identified simply by “TArc”), and directionally opposed vectors (i.e., resulting in a value identified as “OTArc”).
  • cycle threshold e.g., “Ct”
  • a “ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels” is a mathematical relationship between the RNA expression level of HOXB13 and the RNA Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 expression level of IL17BR, or alternatively the normalized RNA expression level of HOXB13 and the normalized RNA expression level of IL17BR, where the mathematical relationship is a ratio.
  • Normalized expression levels can be determined, for example, by comparing the HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to the levels of other expressed RNAs from the same sample, thereby improving the quality or reliability of the data to be processed.
  • a ratio expressed using a logarithmic scale This can be, for example, a difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR Ct values (e.g., Ct HOXB13 – Ct IL17BR ), or the difference between normalized Ct values, or Ct values subjected to a z-transformation step.
  • Ct values indicate the amplification cycle number required to reach a predetermined threshold amount of amplification product.
  • Ct values ordinarily are displayed on a log scale, so that the difference between two Ct values represents a ratio of expression levels.
  • ⁇ Ct is the Ct difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA amplification reactions.
  • raw Ct values from real-time PCR reactions were normalized across the sample set by subtracting the mean Ct and dividing by the standard deviation. The ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR expression levels was simply the difference between the normalized Ct values (Ct HOXB13 – Ct IL17BR ).
  • Ma et al., (2006) disclose compositions and methods useful for amplifying and quantifying RNA expression levels of target nucleic acids that can be used in connection with the presently Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 disclosed technique.
  • Ma et al., (2006) further disclose approaches for establishing a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio using data obtained for a cohort of tamoxifen-treated patients.
  • Threshold ratios useful for classifying results into “(H/I)-Low” (i.e., the determined ratio result falling below the threshold ratio) and “(H/I)-High” (i.e., the determined ratio result falling above the threshold ratio) categories can be established by different approaches.
  • procedures for establishing threshold ratios employ a “training set” of (H/I) ratio results determined using biopsy samples taken at the time of breast cancer diagnosis, where outcomes with respect to breast cancer-free survival benefit as a function of therapeutic regimen and time are known from follow-up monitoring. As illustrated by the results presented in Figs. 2a and 2b of U.S. Pat. No.
  • a threshold ratio can be established simply by drawing a line that substantially separates the two populations (tamoxifen responders and non-responders) from each other using scatter plot data. Since there is likely some overlap among (H/I) ratio data points for the two groups, the threshold ratio can be established to maximize the proportion of correct categorization for (H/I) ratio results obtained from biopsy samples taken from the collection of tamoxifen responders and tamoxifen non-responders.
  • a threshold ratio that distinguishes (H/I) ratio results from tamoxifen responders and tamoxifen non-responders is used to predict, select, identify, recommend, or administer a breast cancer therapy that is any of: (1) a selective estrogen modulator (e.g., tamoxifen); (2) OFS in combination with a selective estrogen modulator (e.g., tamoxifen); or (3) OFS in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane).
  • the selective estrogen modulator used by itself in the therapeutic regimen can be the same or different from the selective estrogen modulator used in combination with OFS.
  • the predicted, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 selected, identified, recommended, or administered therapy is OFS in combination with the aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane).
  • the present disclosure provides a method that predicts the likelihood that a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) breast cancer will benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression.
  • the method suggests or identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy.
  • the method is an in vitro method.
  • the method comprises administering the appropriate breast cancer therapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method predicts no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts no increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre- menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method suggests or identifies tamoxifen as an appropriate therapy (and does not recommend ovarian function suppression).
  • the method further comprises treating the pre-menopausal woman with tamoxifen (and not with ovarian function suppression).
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method predicts a high likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a high likelihood of increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre- Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre- menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method predicts an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method suggests or identifies as an appropriate therapy: (a) ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator or (b) ovarian function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the method comprises treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen). In some embodiments, the method comprises treating the pre- menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane).
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman has previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. [0156] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. [0157] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is HER2- negative.
  • LN0 lymph-node negative
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is HER2- negative.
  • the computer is said to be “in communication with” the apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA when information from the nucleic acid analyzer is transferred from the apparatus to the computer, by any means.
  • Steps instructed by software can include: calculating ratios of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels; comparing the calculated ratios to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; determining whether the calculated ratio is above or below the predetermined RNA expression level threshold ratio; and then identifying or determining an appropriate breast cancer therapy.
  • results generated by the computer can be delivered to an output device that displays or records a result of a calculation or comparison.
  • output devices include a video monitor and a printer.
  • the output device is a recording device that produces a “non-transient” record (e.g., a “tangible” record).
  • the non-transient record may be printed on paper, or stored electronically (such as on a computer hard drive or flash drive, magnetic tape or other computer-readable media, etc.).
  • the computer can be in communication with, either by wired or wireless means, a fluorometer that detects fluorescent signals, where the fluorometer is arranged or configured to monitor fluorescent signals generated in one or more reaction vessels contained within a temperature-controlled incubator.
  • the incubator can be a temperature-controlled block (e.g., a metal block configured for receiving and containing one or more tubes, or even a multi-well plate), or a chamber that exposes one or more reaction vessels to controlled temperature conditions.
  • a controller system for controlling a real-time amplification device and/or the detection system of the real-time amplification device can be coupled to an appropriately programmed computer that functions to instruct the operation of these instruments in accordance with preprogrammed or user input instructions.
  • the computer preferably also can receive data and information from these instruments, and interpret, manipulate, and report this information to the user.
  • the computer also can include appropriate software for receiving user instructions, either in the form of user input into a set of parameter fields, or in the form of preprogrammed instructions (e.g., preprogrammed for a variety of different specific operations).
  • the software then converts these instructions to appropriate language for instructing the operation of the real-time amplification controller to carry out the desired operation.
  • the computer also is capable of receiving data from one or more sensors/detectors included within the system, and interprets the data in accordance with the programming.
  • the system preferably includes software that correlates a feature of a growth curve representing the quantity of amplified copies of the polynucleotide of interest as a function of time, as detected by the detector, to the number of copies of the polynucleotide of interest present in a test sample.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises a temperature-controlled incubator, a detection device for collecting signals (e.g., a fluorometer), and an analyzing device (e.g., a computer or processor) for analyzing signals.
  • the apparatus optionally can further include an output device for displaying data obtained or generated.
  • the analyzing device may be connected to the temperature-controlled incubator through an input device known in the art, and/or connected to an output device known in the art for data display.
  • the temperature-controlled incubator is capable of temperature cycling, and may be configured as a block for receiving one or more tubes, or reaction receptacles (e.g., multi-tube units).
  • the temperature-controlled incubator used to perform and analyze real-time polynucleotide amplification may be of a conventional design which can hold a plurality of reaction tubes, or reaction samples in a temperature-controlled block in standard Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 amplification reaction tubes or in wells of a multiwell plate.
  • the detection system is suitable for detecting optical signals from one or more fluorescent labels.
  • the output of the detection system e.g., signals corresponding to those generated during the amplification reaction
  • the system detects multiple different types of optical signals, such as multiple different types of fluorescent labels and has the capabilities of a microplate fluorescence reader.
  • the detection system is preferably a multiplexed fluorimeter containing an excitation light source, which may be a visible light laser or an ultraviolet lamp or a halogen lamp, a multiplexer device for distributing the excitation light to the individual reaction tubes and for receiving fluorescent light from the reaction tubes, a filtering means for separating the fluorescence light from the excitation light by their wavelengths, and a detection means for measuring the fluorescence light intensity.
  • an excitation light source which may be a visible light laser or an ultraviolet lamp or a halogen lamp
  • a multiplexer device for distributing the excitation light to the individual reaction tubes and for receiving fluorescent light from the reaction tubes
  • a filtering means for separating the fluorescence light from the excitation light by their wavelengths
  • a detection means for measuring the fluorescence light intensity.
  • the detection system of the temperature-controlled incubator provides a broad detection range that allows flexibility of fluorophore choice, high sensitivity and excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Optical signals received by the detection system are generally converted into signals which can be operated on by the computer or processor to provide data which can be viewed by a user on a display of a user device in communication with the computer or processor.
  • the user device may comprise a user interface or may be a conventional commercially available computer system with a keyboard and video monitor. Examples of data which can be displayed by the user device include amplification plots, scatter plots, sample value screens for all the tubes or reaction vessels in the assembly and for all labels used, an optical signal intensity screen (e.g., fluorescent signal intensity screen), final call results, text reports, and the like.
  • the system predicts the likelihood that a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) breast cancer will benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression. In some embodiments, the system suggests or identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy. [0165] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system predicts no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts no increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system suggests or identifies tamoxifen as an appropriate therapy (and does not recommend ovarian function suppression).
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system predicts a high likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a high likelihood of increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre- menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system predicts an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system suggests or identifies as an appropriate therapy: (a) ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator or (b) ovarian function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. [0172] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. [0173] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. [0174] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0).
  • LN0 lymph-node negative
  • Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary automated analytical system 1000 that may be used to simultaneously analyze a plurality of samples.
  • Fig. 6A is a perspective view of system 1000
  • Fig. 6B is view of system 1000 with its canopy removed to show features within.
  • System 1000 is configured to isolate and purify nucleic acid obtained from a plurality of samples introduced into the system, and to amplify and detect targeted nucleic acid contained in any of the samples using differently configured assay reagents.
  • system 1000 may be a random access system that allows in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays and laboratory developed tests (LDTs) to be performed in an interleaved manner.
  • System 1000 may be configured to perform any type of molecular assay.
  • system 1000 may be configured to perform a plurality of different (e.g., differently configured) molecular assays on a plurality of samples.
  • a plurality of samples may be loaded in system 1000, processed to specifically or non-specifically isolate and purify targeted nucleic acids, subject a first subset of the samples to a first set of conditions for performing a first nucleic acid amplification, and, simultaneously, subject a second subset of the samples to a second set of conditions for performing a second nucleic acid amplification, where the reagents for performing the first and second nucleic acid amplifications are differently configured.
  • system 1000 may prompt the user for information using, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a display device 50 (e.g., a computer monitor or a video monitor) of system 1000 (see Fig.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • system 1000 may have a modular structure and may be comprised of multiple modules operatively coupled together. However, it should be noted that the modular structure of system 1000 is only exemplary, and in some embodiments, system 1000 may be an integrated system having multiple regions or zones, with each region or zone, for example, performing specific steps of an assay which may be unique to that region.
  • System 1000 includes a first module 100 and a second module 400 operatively coupled together. First module 100 and second module 400 may each be configured to perform one or more steps of an assay.
  • first and second modules 100, 400 may be separate modules selectively coupled together. That is, first module 100 can be selectively and operatively coupled to second module 400, and first module 100 can be selectively decoupled from second module 400 and coupled to a different second module 400.
  • First and second modules 100, 400 may be coupled together by any method. For example, fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws), clamps, belts, straps, or any combination of fastening/attachment devices may be used to couple these modules together.
  • fasteners e.g., bolts or screws
  • clamps e.g., belts, straps, or any combination of fastening/attachment devices may be used to couple these modules together.
  • the modular structure of system 1000 is only exemplary, and in some embodiments, system 1000 may be an integral, self-contained structure (with, for example, the first module 100 forming a first region and the second module forming a second region within the integrated structure).
  • module is used to refer to a region (zone, location, etc.) of the analytical system.
  • each such region may be configured to perform specific steps of an assay which may be unique to that region of the system.
  • power, data, and/or utility lines or conduits may extend between first and second modules 100, 400.
  • first module 100 may be a system that was previously purchased by a customer, and second module 400 may be a later acquired module that expands the analytical capabilities of the combined system.
  • the first module 100 may be a Panther ® system (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA) configured to perform sample processing and isothermal, transcription-based amplification assays (e.g., TMA or NASBA) on samples provided to the system
  • module 400 may be a bolt-on that is configured to extend the functionality of the Panther ® system by, inter alia, adding thermal cycling capabilities to enable, for example, real-time PCR reactions.
  • An exemplary system 1000 with exemplary first and second modules 100, 400 is the Panther Fusion ® system (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA), which is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,732,374, 9,465,161, and 9,604,185, and U.S. Patent Publication No.
  • first module 100 may include multiple vertically stacked decks. As illustrated, first module 100 may be configured to perform one or more steps of a multi-step molecular assay designed to detect at least one analyte (e.g., target nucleic acid).
  • analyte e.g., target nucleic acid
  • First module 100 may include receptacle-receiving components configured to receive and hold the reaction receptacles and, in some instances, to perform process steps on the contents of the receptacles.
  • Exemplary process steps may include: dispensing sample and/or reagents into reaction receptacles, including, for example, target capture reagents, buffers, oils, primers and/or other amplification oligomers, probes, polymerases, etc.; aspirating material from the reaction receptacles, including, for example, non-immobilized components of a sample or wash solutions; mixing the contents of the reaction receptacles; maintaining and/or altering the temperature of the contents of reaction receptacles; heating or chilling the contents of the reaction receptacles or reagent containers; altering the concentration of one or more components of the contents of the reaction receptacles; separating or isolating constituent components of the contents of the reaction receptacles;
  • first module 100 may include a receptacle drawer or compartment 102 adapted to receive and support a plurality of empty reaction receptacles.
  • Compartment 102 may include a cover or door for accessing and loading the compartment with the reaction receptacles.
  • Compartment 102 may further include a receptacle feeding device for moving the reaction receptacles into a receptacle pick-up position (e.g., a registered or known position) to facilitate removal of the reaction receptacles by a receptacle distributor.
  • First module 100 may further include one or more compartments configured to store containers that hold bulk reagents (i.e., reagent volumes sufficient to perform multiple assays) or are configured to receive and hold waste material.
  • the bulk reagents may include fluids such as, for example, water, buffer solutions, target capture reagents, and nucleic acid amplification and detection reagents.
  • the bulk reagent container compartments may be configured to maintain the containers at a desired temperature (e.g., at a prescribed storage temperature), and include holding structures that hold and/or agitate the containers to maintain their contents in solution or suspension.
  • a desired temperature e.g., at a prescribed storage temperature
  • An exemplary holding Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 structure for supporting and agitating fluid containers is described in U.S. Patent No.
  • First module 100 may further include a sample bay supporting one or more sample holding racks with sample-containing receptacles.
  • First module 100 may also include one or more fluid transfer devices for transferring fluids, for example, sample fluids, reagents, bulk fluids, waste fluids, etc., to and from reaction receptacles and/or other containers.
  • the fluid transfer devices may comprise one or more robotic pipettors configured for controlled, automated movement and access to the reaction receptacles, bulk containers holding reagents, and containers holding samples.
  • the fluid transfer devices may also include fluid dispensers, for example, nozzles, disposed within other devices and connected by suitable fluid conduits to containers, for example, bulk containers holding reagents, and to pumps or other devices for causing fluid movement from the containers to the dispensers.
  • First module 100 may further include a plurality of load stations (e.g., heated load stations) configured to receive sample receptacles and other forms of holders for supporting sample receptacles and reagent containers.
  • load stations e.g., heated load stations
  • An exemplary load station and receptacle holder is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,309,036.
  • first module 100 may include one or more magnetic parking stations and heated incubators 112, 114, 116 configured to heat (and/or maintain) the contents of reaction receptacles at a temperature higher than ambient temperature, and one or more chilling modules configured to cool (and/or maintain) the contents of reaction receptacles at a temperature lower than ambient temperature. Chilling modules may be used to aid in oligo hybridization and to cool a receptacle before performing luminescence measurements.
  • incubator 112 (which may be referred to as a transition incubator) may be set at a temperature of about 43.7 o C and may be used for process steps such as, for example, lysis, target capture, and hybridization.
  • Incubator 114 may be a high temperature incubator which, in some embodiments, may be set at a temperature of about 64 o C and used for process steps such as, for example, lysis, target capture, and hybridization.
  • Incubator 116 (referred to as an amplification incubator) may be set at a temperature of about 42 o C, and may be an incubator used for amplification during an assay.
  • Incubator 116 may include real time fluorometers for the detection of fluorescence during amplification. Exemplary temperature ramping stations are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,192,992, and exemplary incubators are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,964,413 and 8,718,948.
  • First module 100 may include sample-processing devices, such as magnetic wash stations adapted to separate or Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 isolate a target nucleic acid or other analyte (e.g., immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support) from the remaining contents of the receptacle.
  • samples are treated to release materials capable of interfering with the detection of an analyte (e.g., a targeted nucleic acid) in a magnetic wash station.
  • samples may be treated with a target capture reagent that includes a magnetically-responsive solid support for immobilizing the analyte.
  • Suitable solid supports may include paramagnetic particles (0.7-1.05 micron particles, Sera-MagTM MG-CM (available from Seradyn, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana). When the solid supports are brought into close proximity to a magnetic force, the solid supports are drawn out of suspension and aggregate adjacent a surface of a sample holding container, thereby isolating any immobilized analyte within the container. Non-immobilized components of the sample may then be aspirated or otherwise separated from immobilized analyte. Exemplary magnetic wash stations are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,605,213 and 9,011,771.
  • First module 100 may include a detector configured to receive a reaction receptacle and detect a signal (e.g., an optical signal) emitted by the contents of the reaction receptacle.
  • the detector may comprise a luminometer for detecting luminescent signals emitted by the contents of a reaction receptacle and/or a fluorometer for detecting fluorescent emissions from the contents of the reaction receptacle.
  • First module 100 may also include one or more signal detecting devices, such as, for example, fluorometers (e.g., coupled to one or more of incubators 112, 114, 116) configured to detect (e.g., at periodic intervals) signals emitted by the contents of receptacles contained in the incubators while a process, such as nucleic acid amplification, is occurring within the reaction receptacles.
  • fluorometers e.g., coupled to one or more of incubators 112, 114, 116
  • Exemplary luminometers and fluorometers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,396,509 and 8,008,066.
  • First module 100 may further include a receptacle transfer device, which includes a receptacle distributor configured to move receptacles between various devices of first module 100 (e.g., incubators 112, 114, 116, load stations, magnetic parking stations, wash stations, and chilling modules). These devices may include a receptacle transfer portal (e.g., a port covered by an openable door) through which receptacles may be inserted into or removed from the devices.
  • a receptacle transfer portal e.g., a port covered by an openable door
  • the receptacle distributor may include a receptacle distribution head configured to move in an X direction along a transport track assembly, rotate in a theta ( ⁇ ) direction, and move in an R direction, to move receptacles into and out of the devices of first Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 module 100.
  • An exemplary receptacle distributor, exemplary receptacle transfer portal doors, and mechanisms for opening the doors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,731,712.
  • second module 400 is configured to perform nucleic acid amplification reactions (such as, for example, PCR), and to measure fluorescence in real- time.
  • System 1000 may include a controller that directs system 1000 to perform the different steps of a desired assay.
  • the controller may accommodate LIS (“laboratory information system”) connectivity and remote user access.
  • second module 400 houses component modules that enable additional functionalities, such as melt analyses.
  • An example of a melt station that could be adapted for use in the second module is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,588,069.
  • Other devices may include a computer or controller, a computer hard drive or other memory device, a printer, and an optional uninterruptible power supply.
  • second module 400 includes multiple vertically stacked levels (or decks) including devices configured for different functions.
  • Second module 400 may include devices positioned at different levels. These devices include, among others, a fluid transfer device in the form of one or more robotic pipettor(s) 410 (see Fig.
  • a thermal cycler 432 with a signal detector tip compartments 580 configured to store trays of disposable tips for pipettor(s) 410, cap/vial compartments 440 configured to store trays 460 of disposable processing vials and associated caps, a bulk reagent container compartment 500, a bulk reagent container transport, a receptacle distribution system including a receptacle handoff device and a receptacle distribution system including a receptacle distributor (which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, comprises a rotary distributor), receptacle storage units configured to store receptacles and/or multi-receptacle units (MRUs) (that, for example, includes multiple receptacles joined together as a single piece, integral unit), magnetic slots, a waste bin coupled to one or more trash chutes, a centrifuge 588, a reagent pack changer, reagent pack loading stations, and one or more compartments 450 (see Fig.
  • Robotic pipettor 410 attaches a disposable fluid transfer tip from a disposable tip tray 582 to a mounting end of its aspirator probe.
  • Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0187] Exemplary embodiments of trays 460 for disposable processing vials and caps are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2017/0297027 A1.
  • Several devices and features of system 1000 are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,732,374 and other references that are identified herein. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, these devices and features are not described in detail herein.
  • robotic pipettor 410 is disposed near the top of second module 400.
  • amplification processing deck 430 includes bulk reagent container compartment 500, centrifuge 588, the top of thermal cycler 432, tip compartments 580, and cap/vial compartments 440.
  • receptacle processing deck 600 includes receptacle handoff device, receptacle distributor, receptacle storage units, magnetic slots, reagent pack changer, and reagent pack loading stations. Magnetic slots and reagent pack loading stations on receptacle processing deck 600 are accessible by robotic pipettor 410 through a gap between the devices of amplification processing deck 430.
  • second module 400 may include a compartment 590 for storing accessories or to accommodate expansion of second module 400 (for example, to add additional reagent compartments for storage of reagents, add analytical capabilities to system 1000, etc.).
  • Trash bin 650 collects and holds used materials, such as used disposable fluid transfer tips.
  • the front surface of second module 400 preferably includes at least one drawer, where each drawer can include a drawer front 720.
  • the receptacles in the receptacle storage units may include individual receptacles (e.g., a container configured to store a fluid) having an open end and an opposite closed end, or multiple receptacles (e.g., five) coupled together as a unit (MRU).
  • MRU unit
  • MRUs may include a manipulating structure that is configured to be engaged by an engagement member (e.g., a hook) of a robotically controlled receptacle distribution system for moving the receptacle between different devices of system 1000.
  • an engagement member e.g., a hook
  • a robotically controlled receptacle distribution system for moving the receptacle between different devices of system 1000.
  • Exemplary receptacles are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,086,827 and 9,732,374.
  • the receptacle distribution system including receptacle handoff device and receptacle distributor, is configured to receive a receptacle or an MRU from the receptacle distributor of first module 100 and transfer the receptacle to second module 400, and then move the receptacle into different positions in second module 400.
  • Computer Program Products include software-based products (e.g., tangible embodiments of software for instructing a computer to execute various procedural steps) that Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 can be used for performing the data processing method.
  • software-based products e.g., tangible embodiments of software for instructing a computer to execute various procedural steps
  • These include software instructions stored on a computer or computer-readable media, such as magnetic media, optical media, “flash” memory devices, and computer networks or cloud storage.
  • the disclosure embraces a system or an apparatus that amplifies polynucleotides, detects polynucleotide amplification products, and processes results to indicate a quantitative result for target in a test sample.
  • an apparatus or system that includes a computer linked to a device that amplifies polynucleotides and monitors amplicon synthesis as a function of cycle number or time, where the computer is programmed to execute the algorithmic steps disclosed herein.
  • An exemplary system in accordance with the invention will include a temperature-controlled incubator, and a fluorometer capable of monitoring and distinguishing at least two wavelengths of fluorescent emissions.
  • a result can be recorded or stored in a “non-transient” format where it can be accessed for reference at a later time than when the data analysis to be recorded was carried out or performed.
  • a computed result can be recorded in a non-transient format by printing on paper, or by storing on a computer-readable memory device (e.g., a hard drive, flash memory device, file in cloud storage, etc.).
  • Software instructions in accordance with the disclosure can direct a computer to carry out different steps.
  • the software can direct a computer to: (a) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels measured or quantified by an instrument or apparatus; (b) compare the calculated ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) identify, determine, or suggest an appropriate breast cancer therapy. If the calculated HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level ratio is above the predetermined threshold ratio, then a preferred therapy can involve treatment with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen).
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • a preferred therapy can involve ovarian Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor, e.g., exemestane.
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane.
  • a preferred therapy can involve ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen).
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator used for treating cases above and below the predetermined threshold ratio can be the same or different.
  • the software directs the computer to predict the likelihood that a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) breast cancer will benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression.
  • the system suggests or identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to predict a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to predict no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts no increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to suggest or identify tamoxifen as an appropriate therapy (and does not recommend ovarian function suppression).
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to predict a high likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a high likelihood of increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre- menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone.
  • a selective estrogen receptor modulator e.g., tamoxifen
  • an aromatase inhibitor e.g., exemestane
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to suggest or identify as an appropriate therapy: (a) ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator or (b) ovarian function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor.
  • the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen.
  • the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy.
  • the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. [0202] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. [0203] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. [0204] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0).
  • LN0 lymph-node negative
  • the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is HER2- negative.
  • Example 1 describes the materials used in the procedures described herein. Ovarian Function Suppression (OFS) was achieved by choice of triptorelin, bilateral oophorectomy, or bilateral ovarian irradiation.
  • OFS Ovarian Function Suppression
  • Example 1 Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 Biopsy Samples and Treatment Regimens
  • Tumor biopsy samples used in the procedures described herein were obtained from a trial carried out to study breast cancer in more than 3,000 pre-menopausal women. All subjects had hormone receptor-positive (“HR(+)”), stage I-IIIa invasive breast cancer at the time of histology-based diagnosis.
  • HR(+) hormone receptor-positive
  • Subjects had been randomized to one of three treatment regimens for a period of five years: (1) tamoxifen alone; (2) tamoxifen with OFS; and (3) exemestane with OFS. Subjects in the trial were followed over time and classified with respect to breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) and distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI). Samples were available as archived paraffin blocks having formalin-fixed biopsy material embedded therein. [0207] Example 2 describes procedures followed to measure expression of HOXB13 RNA and IL17BR RNA in tumor biopsy samples, determine ratios, and then analyze results.
  • BCFI breast cancer-free interval
  • DRFI distant recurrence-free interval
  • FFPE paraffin-embedded
  • RNA was reverse transcribed using Superscript RT III (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA ) and the resulting cDNA was pre-amplified by PCR using Taqman TM PreAmp Master Mix (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA). Pre-amplified cDNAs were diluted and combined with real- time PCR master mixes using Taqman TM MGB probes on 384-well PCR plates, run on a QuantStudio TM Dx Real-Time PCR instrument (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA).
  • the average threshold cycle (C T ) values for HOXB13 (H) and IL17BR (I) were normalized to a set of housekeeping genes, and subsequently combined into a single index to calculate the (H/I) ratio (alternatively “HOXB13:IL17BR”), also as described by Ma et al., (2006).
  • Calculated (H/I) ratios for all patient samples were compared to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio (sometimes “threshold ratio” herein), also in accordance with the disclosure of Ma et al., (2006).
  • the analyzed groups included: (1) the aggregated collection of all subjects; (2) the HER2-negative subset; (3) groups that did or did not receive chemo; (4) nodal status; and (5) age subsets.
  • the threshold ratio employed in the procedure had been previously established using a training set of results from tamoxifen-treated patients. The threshold ratio separated the population into tamoxifen “responders” (no breast cancer recurrence within about 5 years of initial treatment); and tamoxifen “non-responders” (breast cancer recurrence within about 5 years of initial treatment).
  • Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the predictive performance of (H/I) ratio status (High vs Low).
  • Figs. 1A-1C present plots from Kaplan-Meier analyses of the overall population analyzed in this procedure. Patients in the (H/I)-Low group represented 58% of the total, while patients in the (H/I)-High group represented 42% of the total. Fig. 1A shows trends observed for an unselected population treated either with exemestane+OFS (upper curve), tamoxifen+OFS (middle curve), or tamoxifen alone (lower curve). Fig.
  • FIG. 1C shows trends observed for a subset population identified as scoring (H/I)-High treated either with exemestane+OFS, tamoxifen+OFS, or tamoxifen alone.
  • the curves are much less clearly separated when compared to those appearing in Fig. 1B. Indeed, at 12 years since randomization, the three curves are substantially similar, although the tamoxifen- only curve appears to indicate a slightly reduced proportion breast cancer-free value relative Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 to the other two curves.
  • FIG. 2A-2B present plots from Kaplan-Meier analyses of the HER2-negative subset population, and demonstrates that the (H/I) ratio was a strong predictor of benefit for treatment with exemestane+OFS and tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen alone.
  • Fig. 2A shows trends observed for subjects in the (H/I)-Low category who were treated either with exemestane+OFS (upper curve), tamoxifen+OFS (middle curve), or tamoxifen alone (lower curve). At 12 years from the time of randomization, the three curves are substantially separated. Fig.
  • Figs. 3A-3D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analyses of the subset population that either received chemotherapy (“Chemo”), or did not receive chemotherapy (“No Chemo”).
  • Figs. 4A-4D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the subset population that either was lymph node-negative (“LN0”), or lymph node-positive (“LN+”).
  • LN0 means no lymph nodes were found to harbor breast cancer cells, while LN+ means that at least one lymph node was found to harbor breast cancer cells.
  • LN0 patients 65.8%
  • those classified as (H/I)-Low derived significant benefit in BCFI from both exemestane+OFS 14.5%, HR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.19-0.57
  • tamoxifen+OFS absolute benefit from either exemestane+OFS
  • absolute benefit 0.6%, HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.44-1.56
  • Figs. 5A-5D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the population divided into age subsets. Predictive performance of the above-described (H/I) ratio-based assay was evaluated in subsets of patients with different age groups ( ⁇ 40 vs. ⁇ 40 years old). The (H/I) ratio showed consistent predictive ability across both age groups.
  • the foregoing description supported several implementations of the (H/I) ratio-based assay with respect to breast cancer treatment options.
  • the (H/I) ratio-based assay was predictive of OFS benefit in premenopausal women, with the (H/I)-Low group (i.e., the group having (H/I) ratios falling below the expression level threshold ratio) deriving significant benefit while the (H/I)-High group (i.e., the group having (H/I) ratios above the expression level threshold ratio) did not.

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Abstract

Methods, systems, and software components for identifying treatment regimens appropriate for pre-menopausal patients having hormone receptor-positive (HR(+)) breast cancer.

Description

Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 BIOMARKER ASSAY TO SELECT BREAST CANCER THERAPY Cross-Reference to Related Applications [0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of United States Provisional Application Nos. 63/377,987, filed September 30, 2022; 63/382,457, filed November 4, 2022; and 63/383,470, filed November 11, 2022. The entire disclosures of these earlier applications are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field [0002] The present disclosure relates generally to breast cancer therapy for pre-menopausal women. More specifically, the disclosure concerns diagnostic testing of a breast cancer sample for the purpose of predicting, selecting, determining, recommending, or administering an appropriate therapy. Background [0003] Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer among women. Indeed, this cancer is the leading cause of death for women between ages 50-55 and is the most common non- preventable malignancy in women in the Western Hemisphere. Breast cancer ranks second only to lung cancer among causes of cancer deaths in women. Nearly 86% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to still be alive five years later, though 24% of them will die of breast cancer after 10 years, and nearly half (47%) will die of breast cancer after 20 years. Significantly, approximately one-third of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers occur in women under 50 years of age (Singhal et al., South Asian Journal of Cancer 7:151-155 (2018)). [0004] Breast tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous, they do not spread to other parts of the body, and they are not a threat to life. They can usually be removed, and in most cases, do not come back. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Malignant tumor cells may metastasize, for example by entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system. When breast cancer cells metastasize outside the breast, they are often found in the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes). If the cancer has reached these nodes, it means that cancer cells may have spread to other lymph nodes or other organs, such as bones, liver, or lungs. [0005] Tamoxifen is the antiestrogen agent most frequently prescribed in women with both early stage and metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (for reviews, see Clarke, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 R. et al. "Antiestrogen resistance in breast cancer and the role of estrogen receptor signaling." Oncogene 22: 7316-39 (2003) and Jordan, C. "Historical perspective on hormonal therapy of advanced breast Cancer." Clin. Ther. 24 Suppl A, A3-16 (2002)). In the adjuvant setting, tamoxifen therapy results in a 40-50% reduction in the annual risk of recurrence, leading to a 5.6% improvement in 10- y e a r survival in lymph node negative patients, and a corresponding 10.9% improvement in node-positive patients (Group, E.B.C.T.C. Tamoxifen for early breast cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, CD000486 (2001)). Tamoxifen is thought to act primarily as a competitive inhibitor of estrogen binding to the estrogen receptor (ER). [0006] Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533 discloses techniques for identification and use of gene expression profiles or patterns with clinical relevance to the treatment of breast cancer using tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and other "antiestrogen" agents against breast cancer. The other relevant agents include selective estrogen receptor modulators ("SERM"s), selective estrogen receptor downregulators ("SERD"s), and aromatase inhibitors ("AI"s). The gene expression profiles were used to identify subjects afflicted with breast cancer who were likely to respond positively to treatment with tamoxifen, as well as those who will likely be non-responsive and thus candidates for other treatments. [0007] The biomedical literature describes there can be certain benefits to combining ovarian function suppression (“OFS”) with adjuvant endocrine therapy for treatment of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. For example, the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (“SOFT” trial) in pre-menopausal breast cancer patients (see Francis et al., N Engl J Med 372:436-446 (2015) and Francis et al., N Engl J Med 379:122-137 (2018)) revealed that addition of ovarian function suppression to adjuvant endocrine therapy with either tamoxifen (T+OFS) or exemestane (E+OFS) reduced the risk of recurrence compared with adjuvant tamoxifen alone. The benefit from the addition of OFS was most clinically meaningful for patients at higher clinico-pathologic risk of recurrence. Unfortunately, there are no biomarkers to aid decision-making about intensification of endocrine therapy with OFS and its resultant toxicities. [0008] Thus, there remains an ongoing need for techniques that can stratify patients into well-defined groups to identify the population subset most likely to benefit from a more rigorous therapeutic regimen that includes OFS. Summary [0009] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, the method Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre-menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) treating the pre-menopausal woman with (i) a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen), if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, or (ii) ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not received adjuvant endocrine therapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative. [0010] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and step (c) comprises treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the steroid aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0011] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(i) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) are different from each other. In some embodiments of the method of treating, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(i) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) are the same as each other. In some embodiments, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in each of steps (c)(i) and (c)(ii) is tamoxifen. [0012] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the ovarian function suppression in step (c)(ii) comprises surgical or chemical ovarian ablation. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0013] In some embodiments of the method of treating, step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction to measure expression levels of HOXB13 RNA and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample. In some embodiments, the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. [0014] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the breast cancer cell sample is selected from the group consisting of a formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sample, a ductal lavage sample, and a fine needle aspiration sample. In some embodiments, the breast cancer cell sample is a section of biopsy tissue or comprises cells dissected therefrom. [0015] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is expressed as ∆CT, wherein CT is the PCR amplification cycle in which the HOXB13 or IL17BR RNA reaches a threshold amount, and wherein ∆CT is the CT difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA. [0016] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. [0017] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre- menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; (c) determining, or having determined, that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (d) after step (c), treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not received adjuvant endocrine therapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative. [0018] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. [0019] In some embodiments of the method of treating, step (d) comprises treating the pre- menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the steroid aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0020] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the ovarian function suppression in step (d) comprises surgical or chemical ovarian ablation. [0021] In some embodiments of the method of treating, step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. In some embodiments, the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. [0022] In some embodiments of the method of treating, step (b) is carried out using a computer. [0023] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the breast cancer cell sample is selected from the group consisting of a formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sample, a ductal lavage sample, and a fine needle aspiration sample. In some embodiments, the breast cancer cell sample is a section of biopsy tissue or comprises cells dissected therefrom. [0024] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is expressed as ∆CT, wherein CT is the PCR amplification cycle in which the HOXB13 or IL17BR RNA reaches a threshold amount, and wherein ∆CT is the CT difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA. [0025] In some embodiments of the method of treating, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. [0026] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of identifying a therapy appropriate for a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre-menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) identifying the therapy appropriate for the pre-menopausal woman as either (i) a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen), if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, or (ii) ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (c). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2- negative. [0027] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and step (c) comprises identifying the therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the steroid aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0028] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(i) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) are different from each other. In some embodiments of the method of treating, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(i) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) are the same as each other. In some embodiments, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in each of steps (c)(i) and (c)(ii) is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the selective Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) is not tamoxifen. [0029] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. In some embodiments, the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. [0030] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, step (b) is automated by a computer. [0031] In some aspects of the method of identifying a therapy, step (c) is automated by a computer. [0032] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, the method further comprises step (d) of recording in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a), and the therapy identified in step (c). In some embodiments, the non-transient form of recording comprises printing on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient form of recording comprises saving electronically to a computer hard drive. [0033] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. [0034] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of identifying a therapy appropriate for a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre-menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; (c) determining, or having determined, that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a) is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (d) identifying the therapy appropriate for the pre-menopausal woman as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (d). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative. [0035] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, the method further comprises step (e) of recording in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a), and the therapy identified in step (d). In some embodiments, the non-transient form of recording comprises printing on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient form of recording comprises saving electronically to a computer hard drive. [0036] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, the aromatase inhibitor in step (d) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor in step (d) is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the steroidal aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0037] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. In some embodiments, the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. [0038] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, each of steps (b) and (c) are automated by a computer. [0039] In some embodiments of the method of identifying a therapy, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. [0040] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of predicting the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression for a pre-menopausal Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre-menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) predicting no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; or predicting an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. In some embodiments, the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. In some embodiments, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0041] In some embodiments of the method of predicting, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy or has not previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative. [0042] In some embodiments of the method of predicting, step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. In some embodiments, the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. [0043] In some embodiments of the method of predicting, each of steps (b) and (c) are automated by a computer. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0044] In some embodiments of the method of predicting, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. [0045] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a system that analyzes nucleic acids of a breast cancer cell sample and identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, where the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) compare the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen), if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, or ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a system that analyzes nucleic acids of a breast cancer cell sample and predicts the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) compare the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) predict no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus is Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; or predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. [0046] In some embodiments of the system, the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. [0047] In some embodiments of the system, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0048] In some embodiments of the system, the system further comprises an output device in communication with the computer, where the output device is either a video monitor or a printer. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a recording device in communication with the computer, where the recording device creates a non-transient record of at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in step (b)(i), and the appropriate breast cancer therapy identified in or the prediction of step (b)(iii). In some embodiments, the non-transient record comprises a record printed on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient record comprises an electronic record saved to computer- readable media. [0049] In some embodiments of the system, the apparatus comprises an instrument that amplifies nucleic acid and monitors synthesis of amplification products as amplification is occurring. [0050] In some embodiments of the system, the instrument is a real-time PCR instrument that carries out thermal cycling and monitors fluorescent emissions indicating formation of amplification products. [0051] In some embodiments of the system, the apparatus further quantifies RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in the breast cancer cell sample, where the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and where the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (b)(i) is calculated using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0052] In some embodiments of the system, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative. [0053] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a system that identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy using nucleic acid analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, where the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a system that predicts the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression using nucleic acid analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. [0054] In some embodiments of the system, the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0055] In some embodiments of the system, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0056] In some embodiments of the system, the system further comprises an output device in communication with the computer, where the output device is either a video monitor or a printer. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a recording device in communication with the computer, where the recording device creates a non-transient record of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels. In some embodiments, the non- transient record comprises a record printed on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient record comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media. [0057] In some embodiments of the system, the apparatus comprises an instrument that amplifies nucleic acid and monitors synthesis of amplification products as amplification is occurring. [0058] In some embodiments of the system, the instrument is a real-time PCR instrument that carries out thermal cycling and monitors fluorescent emissions indicating formation of amplification products. [0059] In some embodiments of the system, the apparatus further quantifies RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in the breast cancer cell sample, where the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and where the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (b)(i) is calculated using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR. [0060] In some embodiments of the system, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative. [0061] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a computer programmed with software instructions to select an appropriate breast cancer therapy from analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above or below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as either (i) a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen), if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined threshold ratio, or (ii) ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined threshold ratio; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in (b), and the appropriate breast cancer therapy identified in (d). In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a computer programmed with software instructions to predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression based on analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above or below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression such that the computer predicts no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; or predicts an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in (b), and the prediction of (d). Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0062] In some embodiments of the computer, the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. [0063] In some embodiments of the computer, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0064] In some embodiments of the computer, the input signals in (a) comprise fluorescent input signals. In some embodiments, the fluorescent input signals were measured during a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. In some embodiments, the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction was carried out using a thermal cycling device in communication with the computer. [0065] In some embodiments of the computer, the predetermined threshold ratio in (c) is a numerical constant. [0066] In some embodiments of the computer, the non-transient record in (e) comprises a record printed on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient record in (e) comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media. [0067] In some embodiments of the computer, the software instructions, when executed by the computer, further cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in addition to expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA, (b) first calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and then calculate the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR. [0068] In some embodiments of the computer, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative. [0069] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a computer programmed with software instructions to identify an appropriate breast cancer therapy from analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in (b), and the appropriate breast cancer therapy identified in (d). In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a computer programmed with software instructions to predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression based on analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in (b), and the prediction of (d). [0070] In some embodiments of the computer, the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. [0071] In some embodiments of the computer, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0072] In some embodiments of the computer, the input signals in (a) comprise fluorescent input signals. In some embodiments, the fluorescent input signals were measured during a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. In some embodiments, the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction was carried out using a thermal cycling device in communication with the computer. [0073] In some embodiments of the computer, the predetermined threshold ratio in (c) is a numerical constant. [0074] In some embodiments of the computer, the non-transient record in (e) comprises a record printed on paper. In some embodiments, the non-transient record in (e) comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0075] In some embodiments of the computer, the software instructions, when executed by the computer, further cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in addition to expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA, (b) first calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and then calculate the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR. [0076] In some embodiments of the computer, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the breast cancer is HER2-negative. Brief Description of the Drawings [0077] Figs. 1A-1C present Kaplan-Meier analyses obtained for the overall patient population, where each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis). Fig. 1A presents results for the overall (i.e., unselected) population. Fig. 1B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category. Fig. 1C presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)- High category. [0078] Figs. 2A-2B present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the HER2-negative subset population. Each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis). Fig. 2A presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that also were HER2-negative. Fig. 2B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that also were HER2-negative. [0079] Figs. 3A-3D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the subset population that either received chemotherapy (“Chemo”), or did not receive chemotherapy (“No Chemo”). Each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis). Fig. 3A presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that received chemotherapy. Fig. 3B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that received Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 chemotherapy. Fig. 3C presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that did not receive chemotherapy. Fig. 3D presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that did not receive chemotherapy. [0080] Figs. 4A-4D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the subset population that either was lymph node-negative (“LN0”), or lymph node-positive (“LN+”). Each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis). Fig. 4A presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that were lymph node-negative. Fig. 4B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that were lymph node-negative. Fig. 4C presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that were lymph node-positive. Fig. 4D presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that were lymph node-positive. [0081] Figs. 5A-5D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the population divided into age subsets. Each of the plots shows the proportion breast cancer-free (vertical axis) as a function of years since randomization (horizontal axis). Fig. 5A presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that were younger than 40 years of age. Fig. 5B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that were younger than 40 years of age. Fig. 5C presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-Low category that were at least 40 years of age. Fig. 5D presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that were at least 40 years of age. [0082] Figs. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an automated analytical system. Definitions [0083] As used herein, a “biopsy sample” or "breast tissue sample" or "breast cell sample" refers to a sample of breast tissue or fluid isolated from an individual suspected of being afflicted with, or at risk of developing, breast cancer. A “breast cancer cell sample” refers to a sample of breast cancer cells from a woman diagnosed with breast cancer (e.g., following microscopic examination). Such samples are primary isolates (in contrast to cultured cells) and may be collected by any non-invasive or minimally invasive means, including, but not limited to, ductal lavage, fine needle aspiration, needle biopsy, the devices and methods described in U.S. Patent 6,328,709, or any other suitable means recognized in the art. Alternatively, the "sample" may be collected by an invasive method, including, but not limited to, surgical biopsy. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0084] As used herein, “hormone receptor-positive” (or “HR(+)”) breast cancer refers to breast cancer cells positive for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or both. [0085] As used herein, an “adjuvant” therapy is an additional therapy that is given in addition to a primary or initial therapy (e.g., surgery) to maximize its effectiveness. [0086] As used herein, “adjuvant endocrine therapy” refers to endocrine therapy that is administered to a patient following an initial treatment for breast cancer (e.g., surgical removal of at least a portion of a breast tumor). Breast cancer cells that are hormone receptor-positive express receptor proteins that attach to estrogen or progesterone. This interaction can stimulate cancer cell growth. Treatment that stops or inhibits estrogen or progesterone from attaching to their cognate receptors is called hormone therapy or “endocrine therapy.” Tamoxifen is an example medication that inhibits interaction of estrogen and the estrogen receptor. [0087] As used herein, “ovarian function suppression” (“OFS”) refers to a treatment or procedure to prevent the ovaries from making estrogen. This stops menstrual periods and lowers hormone levels in the body. Examples of OFS include surgical or chemical ovarian ablation, each of which will be familiar to those having an ordinary level of skill in the art. Non-limiting examples of the latter include synthetic analogs of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), such as goserelin (generic), or triptorelin (generic). [0088] "Expression" and "gene expression" include transcription and/or translation of nucleic acid material. In certain preferred embodiments, the terms refer to synthesis or production of RNA or mRNA (e.g., from a DNA template). [0089] The term "amplify" is used in the broad sense to mean creating an amplification product that can be made enzymatically with a DNA or RNA polymerase (including a reverse transcriptase). By “amplification” or “nucleic acid amplification” or “polynucleotide amplification” and the like is meant any known procedure for obtaining multiple copies, allowing for RNA and DNA equivalents, of a target polynucleotide sequence or its complement or fragments thereof. "Multiple copies" mean at least two copies. A "copy" does not necessarily mean perfect sequence complementarity or identity to the template sequence. Methods for amplifying mRNA are generally known in the art, and include reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and those described in U.S. Patent Application 10/062,857 (filed on October 25, 2001), as well as U.S. Provisional Patent Applications 60/298,847 (filed June 15, 2001) and 60/257,801 (filed December 22, 2000), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as if fully set forth herein. Another method which may be used is Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 quantitative PCR (or Q-PCR). Alternatively, RNA may be directly labeled as the corresponding cDNA by methods known in the art. [0090] A "gene" is a polynucleotide that encodes a discrete product, whether RNA or proteinaceous in nature. It is appreciated that more than one polynucleotide may be capable of encoding a discrete product. The term includes alleles and polymorphisms of a gene that encodes the same product, or a functionally associated (including gain, loss, or modulation of function) analog thereof, based upon chromosomal location and ability to recombine during normal mitosis. [0091] By “target” or “target nucleic acid” or “target polynucleotide” is meant a polynucleotide containing a sequence that is to be amplified, detected, and/or quantified. A target polynucleotide sequence that is to be amplified preferably will be positioned between two oppositely disposed amplification oligonucleotides (e.g., primers), and will include the portion of the target polynucleotide that is complementary to each of the oligonucleotides. [0092] A "polynucleotide" is a polymeric form of nucleotides, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides, of any length. This term refers only to the primary structure of the molecule. Thus, this term includes double- and single-stranded DNA and RNA. It also includes known types of modifications including labels known in the art, methylation, "caps", substitution of one or more of the naturally occurring nucleotides with an analog, and internucleotide modifications such as uncharged linkages (e.g., phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, etc.), as well as unmodified forms of the polynucleotide. [0093] As used herein, an "oligonucleotide" or “oligomer” is a polymeric chain of at least two, generally between about five and about 100, chemical subunits, each subunit comprising a nucleotide base moiety, a sugar moiety, and a linking moiety that joins the subunits in a linear spatial configuration. Common nucleotide base moieties are guanine (G), adenine (A), cytosine (C), thymine (T) and uracil (U), although other rare or modified nucleotide bases able to hydrogen bond are well known to those skilled in the art. Oligonucleotides may optionally include analogs of any of the sugar moieties, the base moieties, and the backbone constituents. Preferred oligonucleotides of the present invention fall in a size range of about 10 to about 100 residues. Oligonucleotides may be purified from naturally occurring sources, but preferably are synthesized using any of a variety of well-known enzymatic or chemical methods. [0094] By “amplification oligonucleotide” or “amplification oligomer” is meant an oligomer that hybridizes to a target polynucleotide, or its complement, and participates in a polynucleotide amplification reaction. Examples of amplification oligomers include primers Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 that contain a 3'-end that is extended as part of the amplification process, but also include oligomers that are not extended by a polymerase (e.g., a 3'-blocked oligomer) but may participate in, or facilitate efficient amplification from a primer. Preferred size ranges for amplification oligomers include those that are about 10 to about 80 nucleotides long, or 10 to about 60 nucleotides long and contain at least about 10 contiguous bases, and more preferably at least 12 contiguous bases that are complementary to a region of the target polynucleotide sequence (or a complementary strand thereof). The contiguous bases are preferably at least about 80%, more preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably about 100% complementary to the target sequence to which amplification oligomer binds. Amplification oligomers optionally include modified nucleotides or analogs, or additional nucleotides that participate in an amplification reaction but are not complementary to or contained in the target polynucleotide. An amplification oligomer that is 3'-blocked but capable of hybridizing to a target polynucleotide and providing an upstream promoter sequence that serves to initiate transcription is referred to as a “promoter provider” oligomer. [0095] A “primer” is an amplification oligomer that hybridizes to a template polynucleotide and has a 3'-OH end that can be extended by a DNA polymerase. The 5' region of the primer may be non-complementary to the target polynucleotide (e.g., a promoter sequence), resulting in an oligomer referred to as a “promoter-primer.” Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any oligomer that can function as a primer can be modified to include a 5' promoter sequence, and thus could function as a promoter-primer. Similarly, any promoter-primer can be modified by removal of, or synthesis without, a promoter sequence and still function as a primer. [0096] As used herein, "thermal cycling" refers to repeated changes of temperature, (i.e., increases or decreases of temperature) in a reaction mixture. Samples undergoing thermal cycling may shift from one temperature to another, stabilize at that temperature, transition to a second temperature or return to the starting temperature. The temperature cycle may be repeated as many times as required to study or complete the particular chemical reaction of interest. [0097] As used herein, a “probe” is an oligonucleotide that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence in a polynucleotide, preferably in an amplified polynucleotide, under conditions that promote hybridization, to form a detectable hybrid. Certain preferred probes include a detectable label (e.g., a fluorescent label or chemiluminescent label). [0098] The term "label" refers to a composition capable of producing a detectable signal indicative of the presence of the labeled molecule. Suitable labels include radioisotopes, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 nucleotide chromophores, enzymes, substrates, fluorescent molecules, chemiluminescent moieties, magnetic particles, bioluminescent moieties, and the like. As such, a label is any composition detectable by spectroscopic, photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical, electrical, optical, or chemical means. [0099] "Detection" includes any means of detecting, including direct and indirect detection of gene expression and changes therein. For example, "detectably less" products may be observed directly or indirectly, and the term indicates any reduction (including the absence of detectable signal). Similarly, "detectably more" product means any increase, whether observed directly or indirectly. [0100] A "sequence" or "gene sequence" as used herein is a nucleic acid molecule or polynucleotide composed of a discrete order of nucleotide bases. The term includes the ordering of bases that encodes a discrete product (i.e., "coding region"), whether RNA or proteinaceous in nature, as well as the ordered bases that precede or follow a "coding region". Non-limiting examples of the latter include 5' and 3' untranslated regions of a gene. It is appreciated that more than one polynucleotide may be capable of encoding a discrete product. It is also appreciated that alleles and polymorphisms of the disclosed sequences may exist and may be used in the practice of the invention to identify the expression level(s) of the disclosed sequences or the allele or polymorphism. [0101] A gene expression "pattern" or "profile" or "signature" refers to the relative expression of genes correlated with responsiveness to a breast cancer treatment. Responsiveness or lack thereof may be expressed as survival outcomes which are correlated with an expression "pattern" or "profile" or "signature" that is able to distinguish between, and predict, the outcomes. [0102] The terms "correlate" or "correlation" or equivalents thereof refer to an association between expression of one or more genes and a physiological response of a breast cancer cell and/or a breast cancer patient in comparison to the lack of the response. A gene may be expressed at higher or lower levels and still be correlated with responsiveness, non- responsiveness or breast cancer survival or outcome. Expression levels can be readily determined by quantitative methods as described below. [0103] By "corresponding," it is meant that a nucleic acid molecule shares a substantial amount of sequence identity with another nucleic acid molecule. “ Substantial amount” means at least 95%, usually at least 98% and more usually at least 99%, and sequence identity is determined using the BLAST algorithm (e.g., using the published default settings), as described by Altschul et al., in J. Mol. Biol.215:403-410 (1990). Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0104] A "microarray" is a linear or two-dimensional or three-dimensional (and solid phase) array of preferably discrete regions, each having a defined area, formed on the surface of a solid support such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or synthetic membrane. The density of the discrete regions on a microarray is determined by the total numbers of immobilized polynucleotides to be detected on the surface of a single solid phase support, preferably at least about 50/cm2, more preferably at least about 100/cm2, even more preferably at least about 500/cm2, but preferably below about 1,000/cm2. Preferably, the arrays contain less than about 500, about 1000, about 1500, about 2000, about 2500, or about 3000 immobilized polynucleotides in total. As used herein, a DNA microarray is an array of oligonucleotides or polynucleotides placed on a chip or other surfaces used to hybridize to amplified or cloned polynucleotides from a sample. Since the position of each particular group of primers in the array is known, the identities of a sample of polynucleotides can be determined based on their binding to a particular position in the microarray. As an alternative to the use of a microarray, an array of any size may be used in the practice of the invention, including an arrangement of one or more position of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional arrangement in a solid phase to detect expression of a single gene sequence. In some embodiments, a microarray is used in a hybridization-based assay to quantify HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA (e.g., mRNA) expression, optionally following amplification of these nucleic acid targets. [0105] The term "support" refers to conventional supports such as beads, particles, dipsticks, fibers, filters, membranes and silane or silicate supports such as glass slides. [0106] As used herein, a “nucleic acid analyzer” (or sometimes “polynucleotide analyzer”) is an apparatus or instrument that amplifies, detects, and/or quantifies polynucleotide analytes. Certain preferred nucleic acid analyzers include a temperature-controlled incubator (e.g., a block, plate, or chamber), a fluorometer in optical communication with contents of the temperature-controlled incubator, and one or more computers or processors that process data gathered by the fluorometer to quantify a polynucleotide analyte of interest. In some embodiments, preferred nucleic acid analyzers perform enzyme-based reactions that amplify or increase the number of copies of a target nucleic acid that is to be quantified. In other embodiments, “signal amplification” is used to detect and/or quantify the target nucleic acid that is to be quantified. An example signal amplification system is provided by the “serial invasive signal amplification reaction” disclosed by Hall et al., in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:8272-8277 (2000). [0107] As used herein, “reference genes” are genes that are transcribed or expressed at relatively constant levels across samples so they can be used as benchmarks for normalizing Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 expression levels of target genes. Normalized target gene expression levels can then be compared across different samples. In some preferred cases, target gene expression levels are normalized to the average expression level of a plurality of reference genes. [0108] As used herein, a “computer” is an electronic device capable of receiving and processing input information using software instructions to generate an output. The computer may be a standalone device (e.g., a personal computer), or may be an integrated component of an instrument (e.g., a nucleic acid analyzer that amplifies a polynucleotide target and monitors synthesis of amplification products as a function of reaction cycle number or time). Particularly embraced by the term is an embedded processor resident within an analyzer instrument, and harboring embedded software instructions (sometimes referred to a “firmware”). [0109] As used herein, a “system” is an arrangement of parts or components organized to cooperate with one another. For example, a system may include an instrument that detects nucleic acids in a sequence-specific manner, and a computer programmed with software to analyze results, where the computer and the instrument are in communication with each other. [0110] As used herein, “apparatus” generally refers to the collection of equipment (e.g., tools, instruments, etc.) needed for a particular purpose or function. [0111] As used herein, an “instrument” is a tool, device, or implement for performing a task. In some embodiments, an instrument is a device contained within a single housing or situated on common support structure (e.g., a single chassis). [0112] As used herein, the phrase “as a function of” describes the relationship between a dependent variable (i.e., a variable that depends on one or more other variables) and an independent variable (i.e., a variable that may have its value freely chosen without considering the values of any other variables), wherein each input value for the independent variable relates to exactly one output value for the dependent variable. Conventional notation for an equation that relates a y-value (i.e., the dependent variable) “as a function of” an x-value (i.e., the independent variable) is y = f(x). [0113] Increases and decreases in expression of the disclosed sequences are defined in the following terms based upon percent or fold changes over expression in normal cells. Increases may be of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, or 200% relative to expression levels in normal cells. Alternatively, fold increases may be of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10-fold over expression levels in normal cells. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 Decreases may be of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 99 or 100% relative to expression levels in normal cells. [0114] As used herein, “absolute benefit” is a measure of improvement between results from two different treatment or therapeutic regimens. For example, the absolute benefit due to the combination of tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen alone can be the difference in risk of recurrence between the two treatment arms. [0115] Conditions that "allow" an event to occur or conditions that are "suitable" for an event to occur, such as hybridization, strand extension, and the like, or "suitable" conditions are conditions that do not prevent such events from occurring. Thus, these conditions permit, enhance, facilitate, and/or are conducive to the event. Such conditions, known in the art and described herein, depend upon, for example, the nature of the nucleotide sequence, temperature, and buffer conditions. These conditions also depend on what event is desired, such as hybridization, cleavage, strand extension or transcription. [0116] Sequence "mutation," as used herein, refers to any alteration in the sequence of a gene disclosed herein in comparison to a reference sequence. A sequence mutation includes single nucleotide changes, or alterations of more than one nucleotide in a sequence, due to mechanisms such as substitution, deletion, or insertion. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is also a sequence mutation as used herein. Because the present invention is based on the relative level of gene expression, mutations in non-coding regions of genes as disclosed herein may also be assayed in the practice of the invention. [0117] By “kit” is meant a packaged combination of materials, typically intended for use in conjunction with each other. Kits in accordance with the invention may include instructions or other information in a “tangible” form (e.g., printed information, electronically recorded on a computer-readable medium, or otherwise recorded on a machine-readable medium such as a bar code for storing numerical values). [0118] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its cognates are used in their inclusive sense; that is, equivalent to the term "including" and its corresponding cognates. [0119] By “consisting essentially of” is meant that additional component(s), composition(s) or method step(s) that do not materially change the basic and novel characteristics of the present invention may be included in the present invention. Any component(s), composition(s), or method step(s) that have a material effect on the basic and novel characteristics of the present invention would fall outside of this term. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0120] Unless defined otherwise all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Detailed Description [0121] Disclosed herein is a technique for assessing breast cancer biopsy samples taken from pre-menopausal women having early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Results of the assessment can be used to determine, select, or recommend a therapeutic treatment regimen. In some embodiments, the therapeutic regimen includes a treatment that suppresses ovarian function in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. [0122] A gene expression signature based on the ratio of measured HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA or mRNA expression levels stratified patients into therapeutic treatment categories. The procedures presented below assessed the prognostic and predictive abilities of the assay in pre-menopausal women treated for 5-years with: (1) OFS and exemestane; (2) OFS and tamoxifen; or (3) tamoxifen alone. Results from the procedure demonstrated that the assay was useful as a gene expression-based signature that allowed assessment of every patient’s benefit based on the unique genomic profile of their tumor. [0123] Previously, the same HOXB13:IL17BR ratio-based assay was used to assess the risk of overall (0-10 years) and late (post-5 years) distant recurrence (DR), and to predict the likelihood of benefit from extended endocrine therapy in early-stage HR(+) breast cancer. [0124] Significantly, and with respect to interpretations of HOXB13:IL17BR ratio (i.e., (H/I) ratio) results, the present invention proceeds opposite the guidance embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533 to establish appropriate breast cancer therapies. According to the present disclosure, pre-menopausal breast cancer patients who are HR(+) are treated with a SERM (e.g., tamoxifen) if the (H/I) ratio is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio (i.e., so called “tamoxifen non-responders” according to U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533). Further in accordance with the present disclosure, pre-menopausal breast cancer patients who are HR(+) are treated with the combination of ovarian function suppression and either a SERM or an aromatase inhibitor if the (H/I) ratio is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio (i.e., so called “tamoxifen responders” according to U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533). Chemical Agents Modulating Estrogen Activity Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 Estrogen Receptor Modulators [0125] A "selective estrogen receptor modulator" or SERM is an "antiestrogen" agent that in some tissues act like estrogens (agonist) but block estrogen action in other tissues (antagonist). In contrast, "selective estrogen receptor downregulators" (or "SERD"s) or "pure" antiestrogens includes agents which block estrogen activity in all tissues. See Howell et al. (Best Practice & Res. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 18(1):47-66, 2004). Preferred SERMs of the invention are those that are antagonists of estrogen in breast tissues and cells, including those of breast cancer. Non-limiting examples of such include tamoxifen, raloxifene, GW5638, and ICI 182,780. The possible mechanisms of action by various SERMs have been reviewed (see for example Jordan et al., 2003, Breast Cancer Res. 5:281-283; Hall et al., 2001, J. Biol. Chem. 276(40):36869-36872; Dutertre et al. 2000, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 295(2):431-437; and Wijayaratne et al., 1999, Endocrinology 140(12):5828-5840). Other non-limiting examples of SERMs in the context of the invention include triphenylethylenes, such as tamoxifen, GW5638, TAT-59, clomiphene, toremifene, droloxifene, and idoxifene; benzothiophenes, such as arzoxiphene (LY353381 or LY353381-HC1); benzopyrans, such as EM-800; and naphthalenes, such as CP-336,156; and ERA-923. [0126] Other agents encompassed by SERM as used herein include progesterone receptor inhibitors and related drugs, such as progestomimetics like medroxyprogesterone acetate, megace, and RU-486; and peptide-based inhibitors of ER action, such as LH-RH analogs (leuprolide, zoladex, [D- Trp6]LH-RH), somatostatin analogs, and LXXLL motif mimics of ER as well as tibolone and resveratrol. As noted above, preferred SERMs of the invention are those that are antagonists of estrogen in breast tissues and cells, including those of breast cancer. Non-limiting examples of preferred SERMs include the actual or contemplated metabolites (in vivo) of any SERM, such as, but not limited to, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (metabolite of tamoxifen), EM652 (or SCH 57068 where EM-800 is a prodrug of EM-652), and GW7604 (metabolite of GW5638). See Willson et al. (1997, Endocrinology 138(9):3901-3911) and Dauvois et al. (1992, Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci., USA 89:4037- 4041) for discussions of some specific SERMs. [0127] Non-limiting examples of SERD or "pure" antiestrogens include agents such as ICI 182,780 (fulvestrant or faslodex) or the oral analogue SR16243 and ZK 191703 as well as aromatase inhibitors and chemical ovarian ablation agents as described herein or familiar to the ordinary skilled artisan. Aromatase Inhibitors Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0128] Aromatase inhibitors are a class of antiestrogens used to treat breast cancer. Some breast cancers require estrogen to grow. Those cancers possess estrogen receptors (ERs), and are called ER-positive (ER(+)). They may also be called estrogen-responsive, hormonally responsive, or hormone-receptor-positive. Aromatase inhibitors block the synthesis of estrogen by the aromatase enzyme. This lowers the estrogen level, and can slow the growth of breast cancers. [0129] There are two types of aromatase inhibitors approved to treat breast cancer. First, there are “irreversible” steroidal inhibitors, such as exemestane (Aromasin). These agents form a permanent and deactivating bond with the aromatase enzyme. Second, there are non- steroidal inhibitors, such as the triazoles anastrozole (Arimidex) and letrozole (Femara). These agents inhibit the estrogen synthesis via reversible competition. Ovarian Function Suppression (OFS) [0130] Prior to menopause, estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries. Ovarian function suppression stops or lowers the amount of estrogen made by the ovaries. This can involve surgery to remove both ovaries (oophorectomy), radiation therapy, or use of certain drugs. Surgical oophorectomy causes an immediate and permanent drop in ovarian steroid hormone production. Radiation-induced ovarian ablation is a simple outpatient approach, but can be incomplete or delayed in some women. Time-limited ovarian function suppression can be achieved with luteinizing hormone or gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH or GnRH) agonists. LHRH agonists are safe and reversible with no permanent ovarian dysfunction and with a side effect profile related to menopausal estrogen deprivation symptoms. Triptorelin is a particular example of a medication that acts as an agonist of gonadotropin releasing hormone. In some cases, once drug therapy is stopped the ovaries begin making estrogen again. Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) [0131] In 2003, the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) initiated the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT), involving pre-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer. SOFT was designed to determine the value of adding ovarian suppression to tamoxifen and to determine the clinical benefit of Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 adjuvant therapy with the aromatase inhibitor exemestane plus ovarian suppression in pre- menopausal women. [0132] In the SOFT study, adding ovarian function suppression (OFS) to tamoxifen did not significantly improve disease-free survival versus tamoxifen alone in the overall population. However, the addition of OFS improved disease outcomes in women at sufficient risk for recurrence to warrant adjuvant chemotherapy and who remained pre-menopausal thereafter. (Francis et al., N Engl J Med 379:122-137 (2018)). Biomarker Assay [0133] The biomarker assay used in the below-described procedures is essentially described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. More specifically, this reference teaches: performing amplification reactions; determining HOXB13 and IL17BR expression level ratios (i.e., “(H/I) ratios”) from the amplification reactions; setting an expression level threshold ratio from a training set of data (i.e., a “pre- determined” HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio); and establishing whether the determined (H/I) ratios were above or below the pre-determined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. [0134] This assay, which is based on comparing expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA as a ratio, was originally developed to assess breast cancer sensitivity to tamoxifen treatment. It was discovered that HOXB13 was differentially overexpressed in tamoxifen- nonresponsive cases. Conversely, IL17BR was overexpressed in tamoxifen-responsive cases. Comparing expression levels of these two genes as a ratio (i.e., the “HOXB13:IL17BR ratio” or “(H/I) ratio”) represented a convenient method for assessing potential benefit from treatment, or continued treatment, with tamoxifen. Moreover, use of the ratio gave better results than either marker by itself. [0135] As taught in U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533, HOXB13:IL17BR ratios above a threshold level were associated with an outcome that included cancer recurrence via metastasis following tamoxifen treatment. The disclosure further taught that patients providing tumor samples characterized by (H/I) ratios above a threshold level would benefit from treatment with a therapy other than tamoxifen. Such alternative treatments included treatment with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), a selective estrogen receptor downregulator (SERD), or an aromatase inhibitor (AI). [0136] Ratios of HOXB13 expression to IL17BR expression (i.e., the “HOXB13:IL17BR ratio” or the “(H/I) ratio”) can be indicated by ratios of or about 1.1, of or about 1.2, of or about 1.3, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 of or about 1.4, of or about 1.5, of or about 1.6, of or about 1.7, of or about 1.8, of or about 1.9, of or about 2, of or about 2.5, of or about 3, of or about 3.5, of or about 4, of or about 4.5, of or about 5, of or about 5.5, of or about 6, of or about 6.5, of or about 7, of or about 7.5, of or about 8, of or about 8.5, of or about 9, of or about 9.5, of or about 10, of or about 15, of or about 20, of or about 30, of or about 40, of or about 50, of or about 60, of or about 70, of or about 80, of or about 90, of or about 100, of or about 150, of or about 200, of or about 300, of or about 400, of or about 500, of or about 600, of or about 700, of or about 800, of or about 900, or of or about 1000. Increases in IL17BR and/or decreases in HOXB13 expression can be indicated by ratios of or about 0.9, of or about 0.8, of or about 0.7, of or about 0.6, of or about 0.5, of or about 0.4, of or about 0.3, of or about 0.2, of or about 0.1, of or about 0.05, of or about 0.01, of or about 0.005, of or about 0.001, of or about 0.0005, of or about 0.0001, of or about 0.00005, of or about 0.00001, of or about 0.000005, or of or about 0.000001. [0137] Because the disclosed technique relies upon detection or measurement of genes that are over- or under-expressed, one embodiment of the invention involves determining expression by hybridization of mRNA, or an amplified or cloned version thereof, of a sample cell to a polynucleotide that is unique to a particular gene sequence. Preferred polynucleotides of this type contain at least about 16, at least about 18, at least about 20, at least about 22, at least about 24, at least about 26, at least about 28, at least about 30, or at least about 32 consecutive base pairs of a gene sequence that is not found in other gene sequences. The term "about" as used in the previous sentence refers to an increase or decrease of 1 from the stated numerical value. Even more preferred are polynucleotides of at least or about 50, at least or about 100, at least about or 150, at least or about 200, at least or about 250, at least or about 300, at least or about 350, at least or about 400, at least or about 450, or at least or about 500 consecutive bases of a sequence that is not found in other gene sequences. The term "about" as used in the preceding sentence refers to an increase or decrease of 10% from the stated numerical value. Longer polynucleotides may of course contain minor mismatches (e.g., via the presence of mutations) which do not affect hybridization to the nucleic acids of a sample. Such polynucleotides may also be referred to as polynucleotide probes that are capable of hybridizing to sequences of the genes, or unique portions thereof, described herein. Such polynucleotides may be labeled to assist in their detection. Preferably, the sequences are those of mRNA encoded by the genes, the corresponding cDNA to such mRNAs, and/or amplified versions of such sequences. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the polynucleotide probes are immobilized on an array, other solid support device, or in individual spots that localize the probes. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0138] For a given phenotype, a ratio of the expression of a gene sequence expressed at increased levels in correlation with the phenotype to the expression of a gene sequence expressed at decreased levels in correlation with the phenotype may also be used as an indicator of the phenotype. As a non-limiting example, the phenotype of responsiveness to tamoxifen treatment of breast cancer is correlated with increased expression of HOXB13 as well as decreased expression of IL17BR. Therefore, a ratio of the expression levels of HOXB13 to IL17BR may be used as an indicator of responsiveness. [0139] In another embodiment of the invention, all or part of referenced sequences may be amplified and detected by methods such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and variations thereof, such as, but not limited to, quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), reverse transcription PCR (RT- PCR), and real-time PCR (including as a means of measuring the initial amounts of mRNA copies for each sequence in a sample), optionally real-time RT- PCR or real-time Q-PCR. Such methods would utilize one or two primers that are complementary to portions of a disclosed sequence, where the primers are used to prime nucleic acid synthesis. The newly synthesized nucleic acids are optionally labeled and may be detected directly or by hybridization to a polynucleotide of the invention. The newly synthesized nucleic acids may be contacted with polynucleotides (containing sequences) of the disclosure under conditions which allow for their hybridization. Additional methods to detect the expression of expressed nucleic acids include RNAse protection assays, liquid phase hybridizations, hybridization to microarrays, and in situ hybridization of cells. Preferred Polynucleotide Amplification Methods [0140] Examples of in vitro polynucleotide amplification methods useful in connection with the present technique include, but are not limited to: the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Transcription Mediated Amplification (TMA), Single-Primer Nucleic Acid Amplification, Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification (NASBA), Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA), Self-Sustained Sequence Replication (3SR), DNA Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR) and amplification methods using self-replicating polynucleotide molecules and replication enzymes such as MDV-1 RNA and Q-beta enzyme. Methods for carrying out these various amplification techniques respectively can be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,965,188, European Patent No. EP 0460828 B1, U.S. Patent No. 5,399,491, U.S. patent application serial No. 11/213,519, published European patent application EP 0525882, U.S. Patent No. 5,455,166, Guatelli et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:1874-1878 (1990), International Publication No. WO 89/09835, U.S. Patent No. 5,472,840 and Lizardi et al., Trends Biotechnol. 9:53-58 Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 (1991). The disclosures of these documents which describe how to perform polynucleotide amplification reactions are hereby incorporated by reference. Examples of Preferred Real-Time Quantitative Techniques [0141] Generally speaking, real-time polynucleotide amplification and detection procedures involve monitoring production of amplification reaction products as the amplification reaction is occurring. As indicated above, any number of different amplification methods can be used to create amplification products. In some embodiments, synthesis of amplification products as a function of time or cycle number is indicated by detection of a fluorescent signal generated in the amplification reaction mixture. [0142] A variety of indicia of amplification can be used for quantifying analytes. Real-time amplification and detection for quantifying polynucleotide analytes is highly preferred for use in connection with the disclosed technique, and is subject to alternative data processing procedures with good results in each case. For example, mathematical and computing techniques that will be familiar to those having an ordinary level of skill in the art can be used to identify the time of occurrence of the maximum of the first derivative, or the time of occurrence of the maximum of the second derivative of a real-time run curve. Approaches for determining these features of a growth curve have been detailed by Wittwer et al., in U.S. Patent No. 6,503,720, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Other useful approaches involve calculating a derivative of a growth curve, identifying a characteristic of the growth curve, and then determining the threshold time or cycle number corresponding to the characteristic of the derivative. Such techniques have been disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,783,934, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Still other useful indicia of amplification include “TTime” and “TArc.” Different approaches for determining TArc values employ directionally similar vectors (i.e., resulting in a value identified simply by “TArc”), and directionally opposed vectors (i.e., resulting in a value identified as “OTArc”). Still other techniques involve identifying cycle threshold (e.g., “Ct”) values as the time or cycle number during a reaction at which a signal, preferably a fluorescent signal, equals a static threshold that indicates a predetermined level of amplification reaction progress. Determination of the HOXB13:IL17BR Ratio [0143] As used herein, a “ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels” is a mathematical relationship between the RNA expression level of HOXB13 and the RNA Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 expression level of IL17BR, or alternatively the normalized RNA expression level of HOXB13 and the normalized RNA expression level of IL17BR, where the mathematical relationship is a ratio. Normalized expression levels can be determined, for example, by comparing the HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to the levels of other expressed RNAs from the same sample, thereby improving the quality or reliability of the data to be processed. In one embodiment, a ratio expressed using a logarithmic scale. This can be, for example, a difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR Ct values (e.g., CtHOXB13 – CtIL17BR), or the difference between normalized Ct values, or Ct values subjected to a z-transformation step. [0144] Alternative methods of establishing ratios of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels, or corresponding normalized expression levels, will be familiar to those having an ordinary level of skill in the art. For example, Ma et al., in Cancer Cell 5:607-616 (2004) teach oligonucleotide primers and probes, and methods employing real-time amplification and monitoring to quantify HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from tissue section samples. Ma et al., (2004) further describes mathematical processing of numerical results to determine ratios of HOXB13 and IL17BTR by subtracting one Ct value from the another. The ordinary skilled artisan will appreciate that Ct values indicate the amplification cycle number required to reach a predetermined threshold amount of amplification product. The ordinary skilled artisan will further appreciate that Ct values ordinarily are displayed on a log scale, so that the difference between two Ct values represents a ratio of expression levels. Thus, ΔCt is the Ct difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA amplification reactions. In one application, raw Ct values from real-time PCR reactions were normalized across the sample set by subtracting the mean Ct and dividing by the standard deviation. The ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR expression levels was simply the difference between the normalized Ct values (CtHOXB13 – CtIL17BR). [0145] Ma et al., in J. Clin. Oncl. 24:4611-4619 (2006) describe a slight variation of the technique, where determined Ct values for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR were normalized to a plurality of reference gene products before comparison with each other. Reference genes used in the procedure were: ACTB, HMBS, SDHA, and UBC. Other reference genes could have been selected while still achieving good results. Ct values determined for reference genes in the real-time amplification reactions were averaged to obtain a value for Ctref. Next, the relative expression level of each target gene was expressed as ΔCt = Ctref – Cttarget. Ma et al., (2006) disclose compositions and methods useful for amplifying and quantifying RNA expression levels of target nucleic acids that can be used in connection with the presently Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 disclosed technique. Ma et al., (2006) further disclose approaches for establishing a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio using data obtained for a cohort of tamoxifen-treated patients. Determining HOXB13:IL17BR Expression Level Threshold Ratios [0146] Threshold ratios useful for classifying results into “(H/I)-Low” (i.e., the determined ratio result falling below the threshold ratio) and “(H/I)-High” (i.e., the determined ratio result falling above the threshold ratio) categories can be established by different approaches. Generally speaking, procedures for establishing threshold ratios employ a “training set” of (H/I) ratio results determined using biopsy samples taken at the time of breast cancer diagnosis, where outcomes with respect to breast cancer-free survival benefit as a function of therapeutic regimen and time are known from follow-up monitoring. As illustrated by the results presented in Figs. 2a and 2b of U.S. Pat. No. 9,856,533, (H/I) ratios associated with women who remained breast cancer-free with median follow-up of 10 years (i.e., so-called “tamoxifen responders”) tended to cluster with lower expression level ratios, while women who developed distant metastasis with a median time to recurrence of 4 years (i.e., so-called “tamoxifen non-responders”) tended to cluster with higher expression level ratios. Thus, based on the molecular analysis of biopsy samples taken at the time of cancer diagnosis, the two clustered groups associated with different outcomes were distinguishable from each other. In one embodiment, a threshold ratio can be established simply by drawing a line that substantially separates the two populations (tamoxifen responders and non-responders) from each other using scatter plot data. Since there is likely some overlap among (H/I) ratio data points for the two groups, the threshold ratio can be established to maximize the proportion of correct categorization for (H/I) ratio results obtained from biopsy samples taken from the collection of tamoxifen responders and tamoxifen non-responders. In some embodiments, a threshold ratio that distinguishes (H/I) ratio results from tamoxifen responders and tamoxifen non-responders is used to predict, select, identify, recommend, or administer a breast cancer therapy that is any of: (1) a selective estrogen modulator (e.g., tamoxifen); (2) OFS in combination with a selective estrogen modulator (e.g., tamoxifen); or (3) OFS in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane). The selective estrogen modulator used by itself in the therapeutic regimen can be the same or different from the selective estrogen modulator used in combination with OFS. In some preferred embodiments, the predicted, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 selected, identified, recommended, or administered therapy is OFS in combination with the aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane). Prognostic, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Methods and Uses [0147] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method that predicts the likelihood that a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) breast cancer will benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression. In some embodiments, the method suggests or identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy. In some embodiments, the method is an in vitro method. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering the appropriate breast cancer therapy. [0148] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method predicts no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts no increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre- menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0149] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method suggests or identifies tamoxifen as an appropriate therapy (and does not recommend ovarian function suppression). [0150] In some embodiments, the method further comprises treating the pre-menopausal woman with tamoxifen (and not with ovarian function suppression). [0151] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method predicts a high likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a high likelihood of increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre- Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. In some embodiments, the pre- menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method predicts an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0152] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the method suggests or identifies as an appropriate therapy: (a) ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator or (b) ovarian function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0153] In some embodiments, the method comprises treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen). In some embodiments, the method comprises treating the pre- menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane). [0154] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. [0155] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. [0156] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. [0157] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is HER2- negative. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 Preferred Systems and Apparatus [0158] The methods disclosed herein are conveniently implemented using a computer or similar processing device (“computer” hereafter). In different preferred embodiments, software or machine-executable instructions can be loaded or otherwise held in a memory component of a freestanding computer, or in a memory component of a computer linked to a device used for monitoring, preferably as a function of time, the amount of a product undergoing analysis. In a highly preferred embodiment, software for executing the disclosed procedure is held in a memory component of a computer that is linked to, or that is an integral part of a device or apparatus capable of monitoring the amount of an amplicon present in a reaction mixture as a function of time. This includes a processing device component on an electronic circuit board (e.g., embedded software) of an automated nucleic acid analyzer. Generally speaking, the computer is said to be “in communication with” the apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA when information from the nucleic acid analyzer is transferred from the apparatus to the computer, by any means. Steps instructed by software can include: calculating ratios of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels; comparing the calculated ratios to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; determining whether the calculated ratio is above or below the predetermined RNA expression level threshold ratio; and then identifying or determining an appropriate breast cancer therapy. In some embodiments, results generated by the computer can be delivered to an output device that displays or records a result of a calculation or comparison. Exemplary output devices include a video monitor and a printer. In some embodiments, the output device is a recording device that produces a “non-transient” record (e.g., a “tangible” record). The non-transient record may be printed on paper, or stored electronically (such as on a computer hard drive or flash drive, magnetic tape or other computer-readable media, etc.). [0159] In some embodiments, the computer can be in communication with, either by wired or wireless means, a fluorometer that detects fluorescent signals, where the fluorometer is arranged or configured to monitor fluorescent signals generated in one or more reaction vessels contained within a temperature-controlled incubator. The incubator can be a temperature-controlled block (e.g., a metal block configured for receiving and containing one or more tubes, or even a multi-well plate), or a chamber that exposes one or more reaction vessels to controlled temperature conditions. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0160] In some embodiments, either or both of a controller system for controlling a real-time amplification device and/or the detection system of the real-time amplification device can be coupled to an appropriately programmed computer that functions to instruct the operation of these instruments in accordance with preprogrammed or user input instructions. The computer preferably also can receive data and information from these instruments, and interpret, manipulate, and report this information to the user. [0161] In some embodiments, the computer also can include appropriate software for receiving user instructions, either in the form of user input into a set of parameter fields, or in the form of preprogrammed instructions (e.g., preprogrammed for a variety of different specific operations). The software then converts these instructions to appropriate language for instructing the operation of the real-time amplification controller to carry out the desired operation. Preferably, the computer also is capable of receiving data from one or more sensors/detectors included within the system, and interprets the data in accordance with the programming. The system preferably includes software that correlates a feature of a growth curve representing the quantity of amplified copies of the polynucleotide of interest as a function of time, as detected by the detector, to the number of copies of the polynucleotide of interest present in a test sample. [0162] Preferably, when the computer used for executing the disclosed quantitative and/or therapy-assignment procedures is an integral component of an apparatus for performing and analyzing real-time polynucleotide amplification reactions, the apparatus preferably comprises a temperature-controlled incubator, a detection device for collecting signals (e.g., a fluorometer), and an analyzing device (e.g., a computer or processor) for analyzing signals. The apparatus optionally can further include an output device for displaying data obtained or generated. The analyzing device may be connected to the temperature-controlled incubator through an input device known in the art, and/or connected to an output device known in the art for data display. In one embodiment, the temperature-controlled incubator is capable of temperature cycling, and may be configured as a block for receiving one or more tubes, or reaction receptacles (e.g., multi-tube units). [0163] Generally speaking, the various components of an apparatus for performing the real- time polynucleotide amplification useful in connection with the disclosed methods will be conventional components that will be familiar to those having an ordinary level of skill in the art. The temperature-controlled incubator used to perform and analyze real-time polynucleotide amplification may be of a conventional design which can hold a plurality of reaction tubes, or reaction samples in a temperature-controlled block in standard Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 amplification reaction tubes or in wells of a multiwell plate. In one aspect, the detection system is suitable for detecting optical signals from one or more fluorescent labels. The output of the detection system (e.g., signals corresponding to those generated during the amplification reaction) can be fed to the computer for data storage and manipulation. In one embodiment, the system detects multiple different types of optical signals, such as multiple different types of fluorescent labels and has the capabilities of a microplate fluorescence reader. The detection system is preferably a multiplexed fluorimeter containing an excitation light source, which may be a visible light laser or an ultraviolet lamp or a halogen lamp, a multiplexer device for distributing the excitation light to the individual reaction tubes and for receiving fluorescent light from the reaction tubes, a filtering means for separating the fluorescence light from the excitation light by their wavelengths, and a detection means for measuring the fluorescence light intensity. Preferably, the detection system of the temperature-controlled incubator provides a broad detection range that allows flexibility of fluorophore choice, high sensitivity and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. Optical signals received by the detection system are generally converted into signals which can be operated on by the computer or processor to provide data which can be viewed by a user on a display of a user device in communication with the computer or processor. The user device may comprise a user interface or may be a conventional commercially available computer system with a keyboard and video monitor. Examples of data which can be displayed by the user device include amplification plots, scatter plots, sample value screens for all the tubes or reaction vessels in the assembly and for all labels used, an optical signal intensity screen (e.g., fluorescent signal intensity screen), final call results, text reports, and the like. [0164] In some embodiments, the system predicts the likelihood that a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) breast cancer will benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression. In some embodiments, the system suggests or identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy. [0165] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0166] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system predicts no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts no increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0167] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system suggests or identifies tamoxifen as an appropriate therapy (and does not recommend ovarian function suppression). [0168] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system predicts a high likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a high likelihood of increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre- menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0169] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system predicts an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0170] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the system suggests or identifies as an appropriate therapy: (a) ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator or (b) ovarian function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0171] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. [0172] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. [0173] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. [0174] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is HER2- negative. Illustrative Automated System [0175] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary automated analytical system 1000 that may be used to simultaneously analyze a plurality of samples. Fig. 6A is a perspective view of system 1000, while and Fig. 6B is view of system 1000 with its canopy removed to show features within. In the discussion below, reference will be made to both Figs. 6A and 6B. System 1000 is configured to isolate and purify nucleic acid obtained from a plurality of samples introduced into the system, and to amplify and detect targeted nucleic acid contained in any of the samples using differently configured assay reagents. In some embodiments, system 1000 may be a random access system that allows in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays and laboratory developed tests (LDTs) to be performed in an interleaved manner. System 1000 may be configured to perform any type of molecular assay. In some embodiments, system 1000 may be configured to perform a plurality of different (e.g., differently configured) molecular assays on a plurality of samples. For example, a plurality of samples may be loaded in system 1000, processed to specifically or non-specifically isolate and purify targeted nucleic acids, subject a first subset of the samples to a first set of conditions for performing a first nucleic acid amplification, and, simultaneously, subject a second subset of the samples to a second set of conditions for performing a second nucleic acid amplification, where the reagents for performing the first and second nucleic acid amplifications are differently configured. In some such embodiments, system 1000 may prompt the user for information using, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a display device 50 (e.g., a computer monitor or a video monitor) of system 1000 (see Fig. 6A) or another display associated with system 1000 (e.g., a remote computer), defining one or more parameters of an assay protocol that can be saved and used later. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0176] In some embodiments, system 1000 may have a modular structure and may be comprised of multiple modules operatively coupled together. However, it should be noted that the modular structure of system 1000 is only exemplary, and in some embodiments, system 1000 may be an integrated system having multiple regions or zones, with each region or zone, for example, performing specific steps of an assay which may be unique to that region. System 1000 includes a first module 100 and a second module 400 operatively coupled together. First module 100 and second module 400 may each be configured to perform one or more steps of an assay. In some embodiments, first and second modules 100, 400 may be separate modules selectively coupled together. That is, first module 100 can be selectively and operatively coupled to second module 400, and first module 100 can be selectively decoupled from second module 400 and coupled to a different second module 400. First and second modules 100, 400 may be coupled together by any method. For example, fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws), clamps, belts, straps, or any combination of fastening/attachment devices may be used to couple these modules together. As explained above, the modular structure of system 1000 is only exemplary, and in some embodiments, system 1000 may be an integral, self-contained structure (with, for example, the first module 100 forming a first region and the second module forming a second region within the integrated structure). It should be noted that in this disclosure, the term “module” is used to refer to a region (zone, location, etc.) of the analytical system. In some embodiments, each such region may be configured to perform specific steps of an assay which may be unique to that region of the system. [0177] In some embodiments, power, data, and/or utility lines or conduits (air, water, vacuum, etc.) may extend between first and second modules 100, 400. In some embodiments, first module 100 may be a system that was previously purchased by a customer, and second module 400 may be a later acquired module that expands the analytical capabilities of the combined system. For example, in one embodiment the first module 100 may be a Panther® system (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA) configured to perform sample processing and isothermal, transcription-based amplification assays (e.g., TMA or NASBA) on samples provided to the system, and module 400 may be a bolt-on that is configured to extend the functionality of the Panther® system by, inter alia, adding thermal cycling capabilities to enable, for example, real-time PCR reactions. An exemplary system 1000 with exemplary first and second modules 100, 400 is the Panther Fusion® system (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA), which is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,732,374, 9,465,161, and 9,604,185, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0032358. Exemplary systems, functions, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 devices or components, and capabilities of first and second modules 100, 400 are described in the above-referenced publications (and in the publications identified below), and are therefore not described in detail herein for the sake of brevity. [0178] In some embodiments, first module 100 may include multiple vertically stacked decks. As illustrated, first module 100 may be configured to perform one or more steps of a multi-step molecular assay designed to detect at least one analyte (e.g., target nucleic acid). First module 100 may include receptacle-receiving components configured to receive and hold the reaction receptacles and, in some instances, to perform process steps on the contents of the receptacles. Exemplary process steps may include: dispensing sample and/or reagents into reaction receptacles, including, for example, target capture reagents, buffers, oils, primers and/or other amplification oligomers, probes, polymerases, etc.; aspirating material from the reaction receptacles, including, for example, non-immobilized components of a sample or wash solutions; mixing the contents of the reaction receptacles; maintaining and/or altering the temperature of the contents of reaction receptacles; heating or chilling the contents of the reaction receptacles or reagent containers; altering the concentration of one or more components of the contents of the reaction receptacles; separating or isolating constituent components of the contents of the reaction receptacles; detecting a signal, such as electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light) from the contents of the reaction receptacles; and/or deactivating nucleic acid or halting on-going reactions. [0179] In some embodiments, first module 100 may include a receptacle drawer or compartment 102 adapted to receive and support a plurality of empty reaction receptacles. Compartment 102 may include a cover or door for accessing and loading the compartment with the reaction receptacles. Compartment 102 may further include a receptacle feeding device for moving the reaction receptacles into a receptacle pick-up position (e.g., a registered or known position) to facilitate removal of the reaction receptacles by a receptacle distributor. First module 100 may further include one or more compartments configured to store containers that hold bulk reagents (i.e., reagent volumes sufficient to perform multiple assays) or are configured to receive and hold waste material. The bulk reagents may include fluids such as, for example, water, buffer solutions, target capture reagents, and nucleic acid amplification and detection reagents. In some embodiments, the bulk reagent container compartments may be configured to maintain the containers at a desired temperature (e.g., at a prescribed storage temperature), and include holding structures that hold and/or agitate the containers to maintain their contents in solution or suspension. An exemplary holding Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 structure for supporting and agitating fluid containers is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,604,185. [0180] First module 100 may further include a sample bay supporting one or more sample holding racks with sample-containing receptacles. First module 100 may also include one or more fluid transfer devices for transferring fluids, for example, sample fluids, reagents, bulk fluids, waste fluids, etc., to and from reaction receptacles and/or other containers. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer devices may comprise one or more robotic pipettors configured for controlled, automated movement and access to the reaction receptacles, bulk containers holding reagents, and containers holding samples. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer devices may also include fluid dispensers, for example, nozzles, disposed within other devices and connected by suitable fluid conduits to containers, for example, bulk containers holding reagents, and to pumps or other devices for causing fluid movement from the containers to the dispensers. First module 100 may further include a plurality of load stations (e.g., heated load stations) configured to receive sample receptacles and other forms of holders for supporting sample receptacles and reagent containers. An exemplary load station and receptacle holder is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,309,036. [0181] In some embodiments, first module 100 may include one or more magnetic parking stations and heated incubators 112, 114, 116 configured to heat (and/or maintain) the contents of reaction receptacles at a temperature higher than ambient temperature, and one or more chilling modules configured to cool (and/or maintain) the contents of reaction receptacles at a temperature lower than ambient temperature. Chilling modules may be used to aid in oligo hybridization and to cool a receptacle before performing luminescence measurements. In some embodiments, incubator 112 (which may be referred to as a transition incubator) may be set at a temperature of about 43.7oC and may be used for process steps such as, for example, lysis, target capture, and hybridization. Incubator 114 may be a high temperature incubator which, in some embodiments, may be set at a temperature of about 64oC and used for process steps such as, for example, lysis, target capture, and hybridization. Incubator 116 (referred to as an amplification incubator) may be set at a temperature of about 42oC, and may be an incubator used for amplification during an assay. Incubator 116 may include real time fluorometers for the detection of fluorescence during amplification. Exemplary temperature ramping stations are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,192,992, and exemplary incubators are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,964,413 and 8,718,948. First module 100 may include sample-processing devices, such as magnetic wash stations adapted to separate or Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 isolate a target nucleic acid or other analyte (e.g., immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support) from the remaining contents of the receptacle. [0182] In some assays, samples are treated to release materials capable of interfering with the detection of an analyte (e.g., a targeted nucleic acid) in a magnetic wash station. To remove these interfering materials, samples may be treated with a target capture reagent that includes a magnetically-responsive solid support for immobilizing the analyte. Suitable solid supports may include paramagnetic particles (0.7-1.05 micron particles, Sera-Mag™ MG-CM (available from Seradyn, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana). When the solid supports are brought into close proximity to a magnetic force, the solid supports are drawn out of suspension and aggregate adjacent a surface of a sample holding container, thereby isolating any immobilized analyte within the container. Non-immobilized components of the sample may then be aspirated or otherwise separated from immobilized analyte. Exemplary magnetic wash stations are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,605,213 and 9,011,771. [0183] First module 100 may include a detector configured to receive a reaction receptacle and detect a signal (e.g., an optical signal) emitted by the contents of the reaction receptacle. In one implementation, the detector may comprise a luminometer for detecting luminescent signals emitted by the contents of a reaction receptacle and/or a fluorometer for detecting fluorescent emissions from the contents of the reaction receptacle. First module 100 may also include one or more signal detecting devices, such as, for example, fluorometers (e.g., coupled to one or more of incubators 112, 114, 116) configured to detect (e.g., at periodic intervals) signals emitted by the contents of receptacles contained in the incubators while a process, such as nucleic acid amplification, is occurring within the reaction receptacles. Exemplary luminometers and fluorometers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,396,509 and 8,008,066. [0184] First module 100 may further include a receptacle transfer device, which includes a receptacle distributor configured to move receptacles between various devices of first module 100 (e.g., incubators 112, 114, 116, load stations, magnetic parking stations, wash stations, and chilling modules). These devices may include a receptacle transfer portal (e.g., a port covered by an openable door) through which receptacles may be inserted into or removed from the devices. The receptacle distributor may include a receptacle distribution head configured to move in an X direction along a transport track assembly, rotate in a theta (θ) direction, and move in an R direction, to move receptacles into and out of the devices of first Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 module 100. An exemplary receptacle distributor, exemplary receptacle transfer portal doors, and mechanisms for opening the doors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,731,712. [0185] In an exemplary embodiment, second module 400 is configured to perform nucleic acid amplification reactions (such as, for example, PCR), and to measure fluorescence in real- time. System 1000 may include a controller that directs system 1000 to perform the different steps of a desired assay. The controller may accommodate LIS (“laboratory information system”) connectivity and remote user access. In some embodiments, second module 400 houses component modules that enable additional functionalities, such as melt analyses. An example of a melt station that could be adapted for use in the second module is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,588,069. Other devices may include a computer or controller, a computer hard drive or other memory device, a printer, and an optional uninterruptible power supply. [0186] With reference to Fig. 6B, in some embodiments, second module 400 includes multiple vertically stacked levels (or decks) including devices configured for different functions. These levels include an amplification processing deck 430 and a receptacle processing deck 600. In the illustrated embodiment, receptacle processing deck 600 is positioned below amplification processing deck 430. However, this is not a requirement, and the vertical order of the decks (and their devices) may vary according to the intended use of analytical system 1000. Second module 400 may include devices positioned at different levels. These devices include, among others, a fluid transfer device in the form of one or more robotic pipettor(s) 410 (see Fig. 6B), a thermal cycler 432 with a signal detector, tip compartments 580 configured to store trays of disposable tips for pipettor(s) 410, cap/vial compartments 440 configured to store trays 460 of disposable processing vials and associated caps, a bulk reagent container compartment 500, a bulk reagent container transport, a receptacle distribution system including a receptacle handoff device and a receptacle distribution system including a receptacle distributor (which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, comprises a rotary distributor), receptacle storage units configured to store receptacles and/or multi-receptacle units (MRUs) (that, for example, includes multiple receptacles joined together as a single piece, integral unit), magnetic slots, a waste bin coupled to one or more trash chutes, a centrifuge 588, a reagent pack changer, reagent pack loading stations, and one or more compartments 450 (see Fig. 6B) configured to store accessories, such as, for example, consumables and/or storage trays for post-cap/vial assemblies. Robotic pipettor 410 attaches a disposable fluid transfer tip from a disposable tip tray 582 to a mounting end of its aspirator probe. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0187] Exemplary embodiments of trays 460 for disposable processing vials and caps are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2017/0297027 A1. Several devices and features of system 1000 are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,732,374 and other references that are identified herein. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, these devices and features are not described in detail herein. [0188] In the illustrated embodiment, robotic pipettor 410 is disposed near the top of second module 400. Below robotic pipettor 410, amplification processing deck 430 includes bulk reagent container compartment 500, centrifuge 588, the top of thermal cycler 432, tip compartments 580, and cap/vial compartments 440. Below amplification processing deck 430, receptacle processing deck 600 includes receptacle handoff device, receptacle distributor, receptacle storage units, magnetic slots, reagent pack changer, and reagent pack loading stations. Magnetic slots and reagent pack loading stations on receptacle processing deck 600 are accessible by robotic pipettor 410 through a gap between the devices of amplification processing deck 430. With reference to Fig. 6B, second module 400 may include a compartment 590 for storing accessories or to accommodate expansion of second module 400 (for example, to add additional reagent compartments for storage of reagents, add analytical capabilities to system 1000, etc.). Trash bin 650 collects and holds used materials, such as used disposable fluid transfer tips. The front surface of second module 400 preferably includes at least one drawer, where each drawer can include a drawer front 720. [0189] The receptacles in the receptacle storage units may include individual receptacles (e.g., a container configured to store a fluid) having an open end and an opposite closed end, or multiple receptacles (e.g., five) coupled together as a unit (MRU). These MRUs may include a manipulating structure that is configured to be engaged by an engagement member (e.g., a hook) of a robotically controlled receptacle distribution system for moving the receptacle between different devices of system 1000. Exemplary receptacles are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,086,827 and 9,732,374. In some embodiments, the receptacle distribution system, including receptacle handoff device and receptacle distributor, is configured to receive a receptacle or an MRU from the receptacle distributor of first module 100 and transfer the receptacle to second module 400, and then move the receptacle into different positions in second module 400. Computer Program Products [0190] Included within the scope of the disclosure are software-based products (e.g., tangible embodiments of software for instructing a computer to execute various procedural steps) that Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 can be used for performing the data processing method. These include software instructions stored on a computer or computer-readable media, such as magnetic media, optical media, “flash” memory devices, and computer networks or cloud storage. As well, the disclosure embraces a system or an apparatus that amplifies polynucleotides, detects polynucleotide amplification products, and processes results to indicate a quantitative result for target in a test sample. Although the various components of the apparatus preferably function in a cooperative fashion, there is no requirement for the components to be part of an integrated assembly (e.g., on a single chassis). However, in a preferred embodiment, components of the apparatus are connected together. Included within the meaning of “connected” are connections via wired and wireless connections. [0191] Particularly falling within the scope of the invention is an apparatus or system that includes a computer linked to a device that amplifies polynucleotides and monitors amplicon synthesis as a function of cycle number or time, where the computer is programmed to execute the algorithmic steps disclosed herein. An exemplary system in accordance with the invention will include a temperature-controlled incubator, and a fluorometer capable of monitoring and distinguishing at least two wavelengths of fluorescent emissions. These emissions may be used to indicate target amplicon synthesis, and internal control or internal calibrator amplicon synthesis. [0192] In connection with computer-implemented or software-implemented embodiments of the disclosure, a result can be recorded or stored in a “non-transient” format where it can be accessed for reference at a later time than when the data analysis to be recorded was carried out or performed. For example, a computed result can be recorded in a non-transient format by printing on paper, or by storing on a computer-readable memory device (e.g., a hard drive, flash memory device, file in cloud storage, etc.). [0193] Software instructions in accordance with the disclosure can direct a computer to carry out different steps. For example, the software can direct a computer to: (a) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels measured or quantified by an instrument or apparatus; (b) compare the calculated ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) identify, determine, or suggest an appropriate breast cancer therapy. If the calculated HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level ratio is above the predetermined threshold ratio, then a preferred therapy can involve treatment with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen). If the calculated HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level ratio is below the predetermined threshold ratio, then a preferred therapy can involve ovarian Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor, e.g., exemestane. Alternatively, if the calculated HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level ratio is below the predetermined threshold ratio, then a preferred therapy can involve ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen). The selective estrogen receptor modulator used for treating cases above and below the predetermined threshold ratio can be the same or different. [0194] In some embodiments, the software directs the computer to predict the likelihood that a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) breast cancer will benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression. In some embodiments, the system suggests or identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy. [0195] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to predict a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a low likelihood of increased breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0196] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to predict no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts no increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0197] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to suggest or identify tamoxifen as an appropriate therapy (and does not recommend ovarian function suppression). [0198] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to predict a high likelihood of increased breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts a high likelihood of increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0199] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit (e.g., predicts increased BCFI over 12 years) if the pre- menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator (e.g., tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (e.g., exemestane) as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0200] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio and the software directs the computer to suggest or identify as an appropriate therapy: (a) ovarian function suppression in combination with a selective estrogen receptor modulator or (b) ovarian function suppression in combination with an aromatase inhibitor. In some embodiments, the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. [0201] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received adjuvant endocrine therapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. [0202] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman has not previously received chemotherapy. [0203] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. [0204] In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). In some embodiments, the pre-menopausal woman’s breast cancer is HER2- negative. [0205] Example 1 describes the materials used in the procedures described herein. Ovarian Function Suppression (OFS) was achieved by choice of triptorelin, bilateral oophorectomy, or bilateral ovarian irradiation. Example 1 Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 Biopsy Samples and Treatment Regimens [0206] Tumor biopsy samples used in the procedures described herein were obtained from a trial carried out to study breast cancer in more than 3,000 pre-menopausal women. All subjects had hormone receptor-positive (“HR(+)”), stage I-IIIa invasive breast cancer at the time of histology-based diagnosis. Subjects had been randomized to one of three treatment regimens for a period of five years: (1) tamoxifen alone; (2) tamoxifen with OFS; and (3) exemestane with OFS. Subjects in the trial were followed over time and classified with respect to breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) and distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI). Samples were available as archived paraffin blocks having formalin-fixed biopsy material embedded therein. [0207] Example 2 describes procedures followed to measure expression of HOXB13 RNA and IL17BR RNA in tumor biopsy samples, determine ratios, and then analyze results. Example 2 Analyzing Tumor Biopsy Samples [0208] Procedures used for measuring expression levels of the HOXB13 and IL17BR signature genes, and then comparing the measured expression levels are essentially described by Ma et al., in J. Clin. Oncology 24:4611 (2006). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples from the trial described under the preceding Example (n=1718 of 3047) were used in the procedure. Briefly, RNA was isolated from macro-dissected FFPE sections to enrich for tumor content before total RNA extraction. Isolated RNA was reverse transcribed using Superscript RT III (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA ) and the resulting cDNA was pre-amplified by PCR using TaqmanTM PreAmp Master Mix (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA). Pre-amplified cDNAs were diluted and combined with real- time PCR master mixes using TaqmanTM MGB probes on 384-well PCR plates, run on a QuantStudioTM Dx Real-Time PCR instrument (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA). The average threshold cycle (CT) values for HOXB13 (H) and IL17BR (I) were normalized to a set of housekeeping genes, and subsequently combined into a single index to calculate the (H/I) ratio (alternatively “HOXB13:IL17BR”), also as described by Ma et al., (2006). Calculated (H/I) ratios for all patient samples were compared to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio (sometimes “threshold ratio” herein), also in accordance with the disclosure of Ma et al., (2006). This permitted categorizing samples from the present procedure as HOXB13:IL17BR “Low” (i.e., the ratio falling below the threshold ratio) or HOXB13:IL17BR “High” (i.e., the ratio falling above the threshold ratio). Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 All testing was performed blinded to clinical characteristics and treatment and outcome. Results from each of the three treatment groups were organized into HOXB13:IL17BR Low and High expression level ratio categories, and then analyzed to identify meaningful associations. More particularly, the proportion of subjects remaining breast cancer-free was assessed as a function of time (i.e., years since randomization). Within each of the three treatment groups, results were further divided into a number of sub-groups for more detailed analysis. The analyzed groups included: (1) the aggregated collection of all subjects; (2) the HER2-negative subset; (3) groups that did or did not receive chemo; (4) nodal status; and (5) age subsets. Notably, the threshold ratio employed in the procedure had been previously established using a training set of results from tamoxifen-treated patients. The threshold ratio separated the population into tamoxifen “responders” (no breast cancer recurrence within about 5 years of initial treatment); and tamoxifen “non-responders” (breast cancer recurrence within about 5 years of initial treatment). [0209] Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the predictive performance of (H/I) ratio status (High vs Low). Hypothesis testing for interaction was performed by stratified log-rank tests. Predictive performance of the (H/I) ratio was generally consistent across clinical subgroups including nodal status, prior chemotherapy, age, and HER2-negative patients. [0210] Figs. 1A-1C present plots from Kaplan-Meier analyses of the overall population analyzed in this procedure. Patients in the (H/I)-Low group represented 58% of the total, while patients in the (H/I)-High group represented 42% of the total. Fig. 1A shows trends observed for an unselected population treated either with exemestane+OFS (upper curve), tamoxifen+OFS (middle curve), or tamoxifen alone (lower curve). Fig. 1B shows trends observed for a subset population identified as scoring (H/I)-Low treated either with exemestane+OFS (upper curve), tamoxifen+OFS (middle curve), or tamoxifen alone (lower curve). At 12 years from the time of randomization, the three curves are substantially separated. The results in this figure show that the (H/I)-Low group derived a significant absolute benefit of 11.6% and 7.3% for exemestane+OFS or tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen alone. “Absolute benefit” is the difference in the 12-year BCFI for the two treatment arms. Fig. 1C shows trends observed for a subset population identified as scoring (H/I)-High treated either with exemestane+OFS, tamoxifen+OFS, or tamoxifen alone. The curves are much less clearly separated when compared to those appearing in Fig. 1B. Indeed, at 12 years since randomization, the three curves are substantially similar, although the tamoxifen- only curve appears to indicate a slightly reduced proportion breast cancer-free value relative Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 to the other two curves. Taken together, the (H/I)-Low group derived a significant absolute benefit from treatment with exemestane+OFS or tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen alone at the 12-year time point. There was substantially no benefit observed in the (H/I)-High group. Interaction was significant between (H/I) ratio and treatment of exemestane+OFS vs tamoxifen (P=0.0064 and 0.0092 for unadjusted and adjusted analysis), but not significant for treatment of tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen alone (P=0.11 and 0.16). [0211] Figs. 2A-2B present plots from Kaplan-Meier analyses of the HER2-negative subset population, and demonstrates that the (H/I) ratio was a strong predictor of benefit for treatment with exemestane+OFS and tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen alone. Fig. 2A shows trends observed for subjects in the (H/I)-Low category who were treated either with exemestane+OFS (upper curve), tamoxifen+OFS (middle curve), or tamoxifen alone (lower curve). At 12 years from the time of randomization, the three curves are substantially separated. Fig. 2B presents results for the population of subjects in the (H/I)-High category that also were HER2-negative, and who were treated either with exemestane+OFS, tamoxifen+OFS, or tamoxifen alone. Comparing exemestane+OFS vs tamoxifen, the (H/I)- Low group derived a significant absolute benefit of 13.2% (HR=0.39, 95% Cl (0.25, 0.60)), while the (H/I)-High group did not (absolute benefit was -0.2%; HR=1.03, 95% Cl (0.64, 1.68)). For tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen, the (H/I)-Low group derived a significant absolute benefit of 7.4% (HR=0.64, 95% Cl (0.44, 0.93), while (H/I)-High did not (absolute benefit - 6.8%; HR=1.37, 95% Cl (0.89, 2.13)). The HER2-positive subset was too small to analyze. [0212] Figs. 3A-3D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analyses of the subset population that either received chemotherapy (“Chemo”), or did not receive chemotherapy (“No Chemo”). Among patients who received prior chemotherapy, those classified as (H/I)-Low exhibited a significant benefit in BCFI from exemestane+OFS (absolute benefit = 15.8%, HR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30-0.77) and a non-significant benefit from tamoxifen+OFS (absolute benefit = 10.8%, HR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.45-1.06) in comparison with tamoxifen alone. In contrast, those classified as (H/I)-High showed no benefit in BCFI from either exemestane+OFS (absolute benefit = -5.3%, HR 1.24, 95% CI: 0.79-1.95) or tamoxifen+OFS (absolute benefit = -3.8%, HR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.76-1.84) relative to tamoxifen alone. Among those patients who did not receive chemotherapy, those classified as (H/I)-Low derived a larger benefit than those classified as (H/I)-High from exemestane+OFS (absolute benefit = 8.8%, HR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25-0.94 vs. absolute benefit = 6.6%, HR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.23-1.29) and from tamoxifen+OFS (absolute benefit = 5.5%, HR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.36-1.24 vs. absolute benefit = 2.1%, HR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.33-1.57). Further, the fact that survival curves shown in Fig. 3D Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 crossed over each other in the middle of the time duration (unlike the (H/I)-Low group in Fig. 3C, where curves were clearly separated) suggested that the benefit detected for treatment regimens incorporating OFS in the No Chemo (H/I)-High group could be an erroneous artifact. As well, confidence intervals of the Hazard Ratio (HR) showed that the benefit detected in the No Chemo (H/I)-High group was not statistically significant, while the confidence interval for the No Chemo (H/I)-Low group was significant. Overall, these analyses supported the conclusion that the (H/I)-Low groups, but not the (H/I)-High groups, experienced substantial cancer-free survival benefits from treatment with the combination of OFS and either tamoxifen or exemestane, compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone. [0213] Figs. 4A-4D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the subset population that either was lymph node-negative (“LN0”), or lymph node-positive (“LN+”). Here, LN0 means no lymph nodes were found to harbor breast cancer cells, while LN+ means that at least one lymph node was found to harbor breast cancer cells. Among LN0 patients (65.8%), those classified as (H/I)-Low derived significant benefit in BCFI from both exemestane+OFS (absolute benefit = 14.5%, HR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.19-0.57) and tamoxifen+OFS (absolute benefit = 9.6%%, HR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.91) compared with tamoxifen alone, while those classified as (H/I)-High exhibited no benefit from either exemestane+OFS (absolute benefit = 0.6%, HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.44-1.56) or tamoxifen+OFS (absolute benefit = -3.3%%, HR 0.1.10, 95% CI: 0.61-0.1.99). While showing consistent trend of being predictive across nodal subset, (H/I) was less predictive of OFS benefit in LN+ patients (34.2%) than in LN0 patients. Those LN+ patients who were classified as (H/I)-Low showed a benefit that was numerically larger, but non-significant than that for (H/I)-High patients for exemestane+OFS as compared to tamoxifen alone (absolute benefit = 6.2%, HR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.42-1.30 vs. absolute benefit = -2.5%, HR 0.1.20, 95% CI: 0.72-1.99). The predictive performance was not obvious for tamoxifen+OFS vs tamoxifen alone (absolute benefit = 2.7%%, HR 0.0.90, 95% CI: 0.52-1.54 for (H/I)-Low vs. absolute benefit = 3.6%, HR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.62-1.70 for (H/I)-High). [0214] Figs. 5A-5D present plots from the Kaplan-Meier analysis of the population divided into age subsets. Predictive performance of the above-described (H/I) ratio-based assay was evaluated in subsets of patients with different age groups (< 40 vs. ≥ 40 years old). The (H/I) ratio showed consistent predictive ability across both age groups. Patients classified as (H/I)- Low derived a significant benefit from exemestane+OFS compared to tamoxifen alone across both age groups (absolute benefit = 10.8%, HR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.89 for those < 40 years old; absolute benefit = 11.8%, HR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.75 for those ≥ 40 years old), while Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 those classified as (H/I)-High derived no benefit (absolute benefit = -3.3%, HR 1.20, 95% CI: 0.64-2.24 for those < 40 years old; absolute benefit = 1.1%, HR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.56-1.55 for those ≥ 40 years old). Similarly, Patients classified as (H/I)-Low derived a substantially larger, yet nonsignificant benefit from tamoxifen+OFS compared to tamoxifen alone across both age groups (absolute benefit = 8.2%, HR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.45-1.29 for those < 40 years old; absolute benefit = 6.2%, HR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.40-1.03 for those ≥ 40 years old), while those classified as (H/I)-High derived no benefit (absolute benefit = -1.2%, HR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.45-1.78 for those < 40 years old; absolute benefit = -1.5%, HR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.70-1.78 for those ≥ 40 years old). [0215] The results presented above confirmed that the (H/I) ratio-based assay was able to predict the benefit of adding OFS to primary adjuvant endocrine therapy in pre-menopausal women with HR(+) early-stage breast cancer. The (H/I) ratio was able to identify patients that benefitted from more intensive endocrine therapy, as well as those who did not and may be spared from potential toxicities of OFS treatment. The results point to potential differences in the primary tumor biology underlying the OFS response compared to adjuvant oral endocrine therapy and confirms that the (H/I) ratio has clinical utility as a predictive biomarker for OFS benefit in pre-menopausal women. [0216] The foregoing description supported several implementations of the (H/I) ratio-based assay with respect to breast cancer treatment options. The (H/I) ratio-based assay was predictive of OFS benefit in premenopausal women, with the (H/I)-Low group (i.e., the group having (H/I) ratios falling below the expression level threshold ratio) deriving significant benefit while the (H/I)-High group (i.e., the group having (H/I) ratios above the expression level threshold ratio) did not. Clinical recommendations based on the (H/I) ratio classifications were as follows: (1) (H/I)-Low: aromatase inhibitor in combination with OFS for 5 years of primary adjuvant treatment; (2) (H/I)-High: tamoxifen for at least 5 years or switch to aromatase inhibitor once becoming post-menopausal, and optionally extend endocrine therapy beyond 5 years. The (H/I) ratio results may indicate different tumor biology underlying the OFS response in pre-menopausal women. [0217] All patents, patent applications, and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. All patents, patent applications, and publications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes and to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 [0218] All of the compositions, kits, and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the disclosure describes preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such variations and equivalents apparent to those skilled in the art, whether now existing or later developed, are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A method of treating a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre- menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) treating the pre-menopausal woman with (i) tamoxifen, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, or (ii) ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not received adjuvant endocrine therapy prior to step (c). 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (c). 4. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (c). 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the breast cancer is lymph- node negative (LN0). 8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the breast cancer is HER2- negative. 9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and wherein step (c) comprises treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) is tamoxifen. 11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) is not tamoxifen. 12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aromatase inhibitor in step (c)(ii) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. 13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aromatase inhibitor in step (c)(ii) is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the steroidal aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. 15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein ovarian function suppression in step (c)(ii) comprises surgical or chemical ovarian ablation. 16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction to measure expression levels of HOXB13 RNA and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. 18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is selected from the group consisting of a formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sample, a ductal lavage sample, and a fine needle aspiration sample. 19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is a section of biopsy tissue or comprises cells dissected therefrom. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is expressed as ∆CT, wherein CT is the PCR amplification cycle in which the HOXB13 or IL17BR RNA reaches a threshold amount, and wherein ∆CT is the CT difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA. 21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. 22. A method of treating a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre- menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; (c) determining, or having determined, that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 (d) after step (c), treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not received adjuvant endocrine therapy prior to step (d). 24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (d). 25. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (d). 26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. 27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. 28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the breast cancer is lymph- node negative (LN0). 29. The method of any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the breast cancer is HER2- negative. 30. The method of any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. 31. The method of any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein step (d) comprises treating the pre-menopausal woman with ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the aromatase inhibitor in step (d) is a non- steroidal aromatase inhibitor. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the aromatase inhibitor in step (d) is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the steroidal aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. 35. The method of any one of claims 22 to 34, wherein ovarian function suppression in step (d) comprises surgical or chemical ovarian ablation. 36. The method of any one of claims 22 to 35, wherein step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. 38. The method of claim 40, wherein the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. 39. The method of any one of claims 22 to 38, wherein step (b) is carried out using a computer. 40. The method of any one of claims 22 to 39, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is selected from the group consisting of a formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sample, a ductal lavage sample, and a fine needle aspiration sample. 41. The method of any one of claims 22 to 40, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is a section of biopsy tissue or comprises cells dissected therefrom. 42. The method of claim 38, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is expressed as ∆CT, wherein CT is the PCR amplification cycle in which the HOXB13 or IL17BR RNA reaches a threshold amount, and wherein ∆CT is the CT difference between HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 43. The method of any one of claims 22 to 41, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. 44. A method of identifying a therapy appropriate for a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre- menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) identifying the therapy appropriate for the pre-menopausal woman as either (i) tamoxifen, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, or (ii) ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. 47. The method of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (c). Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 48. The method of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (c). 49. The method of any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. 50. The method of any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. 51. The method of any one of claims 44 to 50, wherein the breast cancer is lymph- node negative (LN0). 52. The method of any one of claims 44 to 51, wherein the breast cancer is HER2- negative. 53. The method of any one of claims 44 to 52, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and wherein step (c) comprises identifying the therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with the aromatase inhibitor. 54. The method of any one of claims 44 to 52, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) is tamoxifen. 55. The method of any one of claims 44 to 52, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator in step (c)(ii) is not tamoxifen. 56. The method of any one of claims 44 to 53, wherein the aromatase inhibitor in step (c)(ii) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. 57. The method of any one of claims 44 to 53, wherein the aromatase inhibitor in step (c)(ii) is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the steroidal aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 59. The method of any one of claims 44 to 58, wherein step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample. 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. 61. The method of claim 60, wherein the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. 62. The method of any one of claims 44 to 61, wherein step (b) is automated by a computer. 63. The method of any one of claims 44 to 62, wherein step (c) is automated by a computer. 64. The method of any one of claims 44 to 63, further comprising step (d) of recording in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a), and the therapy identified in step (c). 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the non-transient form of recording comprises printing on paper. 66. The method of claim 64, wherein the non-transient form of recording comprises saving electronically to a computer hard drive. 67. The method of any one of claims 44 to 66, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 68. A method of identifying a therapy appropriate for a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre- menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; (c) determining, or having determined, that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a) is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (d) identifying the therapy appropriate for the pre-menopausal woman as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. 69. The method of claim 68, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy. 70. The method of claim 68, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. 71. The method of any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not received chemotherapy prior to step (d). 72. The method of any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has received chemotherapy prior to step (d). 73. The method of any one of claims 68 to 72, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. 74. The method of any one of claims 68 to 72, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 75. The method of any one of claims 68 to 74, wherein the breast cancer is lymph- node negative (LN0). 76. The method of any one of claims 68 to 75, wherein the breast cancer is HER2- negative. 77. The method of any one of claims 68 to 76, further comprising step (e) of recording in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from step (a), and the therapy identified in step (d). 78. The method of claim 77, wherein the non-transient form of recording comprises printing on paper. 79. The method of claim 77, wherein the non-transient form of recording comprises saving electronically to a computer hard drive. 80. The method of any one of claims 68 to 79, wherein the aromatase inhibitor in step (d) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. 81. The method of any one of claims 68 to 79, wherein the aromatase inhibitor in step (d) is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. 82. The method of claim 81, wherein the steroidal aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. 83. The method of any one of claims 68 to 82, wherein step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample. 84. The method of claim 83, wherein the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. 85. The method of claim 84, wherein the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 86. The method of any one of claims 68 to 85, wherein each of steps (b) and (c) are automated by a computer. 87. The method of any one of claims 68 to 86, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. 88. A method of predicting the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression for a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor- positive) breast cancer, comprising the steps of: (a) assaying, or having assayed, a breast cancer cell sample removed from the pre- menopausal woman by determining a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample; (b) comparing, or having compared, the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (c) predicting no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; or predicting an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. 89. The method of claim 88, wherein the predicted likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 90. The method of claim 88 or claim 89, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. 91. The method of claim 88 or claim 89, wherein the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. 92. The method of any one of claims 88 to 91, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with tamoxifen. 93. The method of any one of claims 88 to 92, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has previously received chemotherapy. 94. The method of any one of claims 88 to 92, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy or has not previously received chemotherapy. 95. The method of any one of claims 88 to 94, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. 96. The method of any one of claims 88 to 94, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. 97. The method of any one of claims 88 to 96, wherein the breast cancer is lymph- node negative (LN0). 98. The method of any one of claims 88 to 97, wherein the breast cancer is HER2- negative. 99. The method of any one of claims 88 to 98, wherein step (a) comprises performing, or having performed, a nucleic acid amplification reaction to quantify HOXB13 RNA and the IL17BR RNA present in the breast cancer cell sample. 100. The method of claim 99, wherein the nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 101. The method of claim 100, wherein the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction comprises a real-time PCR reaction. 102. The method of any one of claims 88 to 101, wherein each of steps (b) and (c) are automated by a computer. 103. The method of any one of claims 88 to 102, wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (a) is determined using an RNA expression level for HOXB13 that has been normalized to an averaged expression level for a plurality of reference genes, and an RNA expression level for IL17BR that has been normalized to the averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes. 104. A system that analyzes nucleic acids of a breast cancer cell sample and identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) compare the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as either tamoxifen, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, or ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. 105. A system that analyzes nucleic acids of a breast cancer cell sample and predicts the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) compare the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels to a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) predict no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; or predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio. 106. The system of claim 105, wherein the predicted likelihood of breast cancer- free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 107. The system of any one of claims 104 to 106, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. 108. The system of any one of claims 104 to 106, wherein the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. 109. The system of any one of claims 104 to 108, further comprising an output device in communication with the computer, wherein the output device is either a video monitor or a printer. 110. The system of claim 104, further comprising a recording device in communication with the computer, wherein the recording device creates a non-transient record of at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in step (b)(i), and the appropriate breast cancer therapy identified in step (b)(iii). 111. The system of claim 105, further comprising a recording device in communication with the computer, wherein the recording device creates a non-transient record of at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in step (b)(i), and the prediction of step (b)(iii). 112. The system of claim 110 or claim 111, wherein the non-transient record comprises a record printed on paper. 113. The system of claim 110 or claim 111, wherein the non-transient record comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media. 114. The system of any one of claims 104 to 113, wherein the apparatus comprises an instrument that amplifies nucleic acid and monitors synthesis of amplification products as amplification is occurring. 115. The system of claim 114, wherein the instrument is a real-time PCR instrument that carries out thermal cycling and monitors fluorescent emissions indicating formation of amplification products. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 116. The system of any one of claims 104 to 115, wherein the apparatus further quantifies RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (b)(i) is calculated using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR. 117. A system that identifies an appropriate breast cancer therapy using nucleic acid analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. 118. A system that predicts the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression using nucleic acid analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, the system comprising: (a) an apparatus that quantifies HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre-menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; and (b) a computer in communication with the apparatus, Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to (i) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus, (ii) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio, and (iii) predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor. 119. The system of claim 118, wherein the predicted likelihood of breast cancer- free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. 120. The system of any one of claims 117 to 119, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. 121. The system of any one of claims 117 to 119, wherein the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. 122. The system of any one of claims 117 to 121, further comprising an output device in communication with the computer, wherein the output device is either a video monitor or a printer. 123. The system of any one of claims 117 to 122, further comprising a recording device in communication with the computer, wherein the recording device creates a non- transient record of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels. 124. The system of claim 123, wherein the non-transient record comprises a record printed on paper. 125. The system of claim 123, wherein the non-transient record comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 126. The system of any one of claims 117 to 125, wherein the apparatus comprises an instrument that amplifies nucleic acid and monitors synthesis of amplification products as amplification is occurring. 127. The system of claim 126, wherein the instrument is a real-time PCR instrument that carries out thermal cycling and monitors fluorescent emissions indicating formation of amplification products. 128. The system of any one of claims 117 to 127, wherein the apparatus further quantifies RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the computer is programmed with software instructions causing the computer to calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and wherein the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels in step (b)(i) is calculated using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR. 129. The system of any one of claims 104 to 128, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy or has not previously received chemotherapy. 130. The system of any one of claims 104 to 129, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. 131. The system of any one of claims 104 to 129, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. 132. The system of any one of claims 104 to 131, wherein the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). 133. The system of any one of claims 104 to 132, wherein the breast cancer is HER2-negative. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 134. A computer programmed with software instructions to select an appropriate breast cancer therapy from analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above or below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as either (i) tamoxifen, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above the predetermined threshold ratio, or (ii) ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below the predetermined threshold ratio; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in (b), and the appropriate breast cancer therapy identified in (d). 135. A computer programmed with software instructions to predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression based on analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is above or below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression such that the computer Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 predicts no increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus is above the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; or predicts an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit if the pre-menopausal woman is treated with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor as compared to treatment with tamoxifen alone, if the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels quantified by the apparatus is below the predetermined HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression level threshold ratio; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in (b), and the prediction of (d). 136. The computer of claim 135, wherein the predicted likelihood of breast cancer- free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. 137. The computer of any one of claims 134 to 136, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen. 138. The computer of any one of claims 134 to 136, wherein the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. 139. The computer of any one of claims 134 to 138, wherein the input signals in (a) comprise fluorescent input signals. 140. The computer of claim 139, wherein the fluorescent input signals were measured during a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. 141. The computer of claim 140, wherein the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction was carried out using a thermal cycling device in communication with the computer. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 142. The computer of any one of claims 134 to 141, wherein the predetermined threshold ratio in (c) is a numerical constant. 143. The computer of any one of claims 134 to 142, wherein the non-transient record in (e) comprises a record printed on paper. 144. The computer of any one of claims 134 to 142, wherein the non-transient record in (e) comprises an electronic record saved to computer-readable media. 145. The computer of any one of claims 134 to 144, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, further cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in addition to expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA, (b) first calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and then calculate the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR. 146. A computer programmed with software instructions to identify an appropriate breast cancer therapy from analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) identify the appropriate breast cancer therapy as ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor; and Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in (b), and the appropriate breast cancer therapy identified in (d). 147. A computer programmed with software instructions to predict the likelihood of benefit from therapy comprising ovarian function suppression based on analysis of a breast cancer cell sample, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA in the breast cancer cell sample, wherein the breast cancer cell sample is from a pre- menopausal woman having HR(+) (hormone receptor-positive) breast cancer; (b) calculate a ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels from the received input signals; (c) determine that the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels is below a predetermined threshold ratio; (d) predict an increased likelihood of breast cancer-free survival benefit with ovarian function suppression in combination with either a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an aromatase inhibitor; and (e) record in a non-transient form at least one of the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels calculated in (b), and the prediction of (d). 148. The computer of claim 147, wherein the predicted likelihood of breast cancer- free survival benefit is over a 12-year period. 149. The computer of any one of claims 146 to 148, wherein the selective estrogen receptor modulator is tamoxifen. 150. The computer of any one of claims 146 to 148, wherein the aromatase inhibitor is exemestane. 151. The computer of any one of claims 146 to 150, wherein the input signals in (a) comprise fluorescent input signals. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 152. The computer of claim 151, wherein the fluorescent input signals were measured during a real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction. 153. The computer of claim 152, wherein the real-time nucleic acid amplification reaction was carried out using a thermal cycling device in communication with the computer. 154. The computer of any one of claims 146 to 153, wherein the predetermined threshold ratio in (c) is a numerical constant. 155. The computer of any one of claims 146 to 154, wherein the non-transient form in (e) comprises a record printed on paper. 156. The computer of any one of claims 146 to 154, wherein the non-transient form in (e) comprises a record stored electronically on a computer hard drive. 157. The computer of any one of claims 146 to 156, wherein the software instructions, when executed by the computer, further cause the computer to: (a) receive input signals indicating RNA expression levels for a plurality of reference genes in addition to expression levels of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA, (b) first calculate RNA expression levels for each of HOXB13 and IL17BR that have been normalized to an averaged expression level for the plurality of reference genes, and then calculate the ratio of HOXB13 and IL17BR RNA expression levels using the normalized RNA expression levels for HOXB13 and IL17BR. 158. The computer of any one of claims 134-157, wherein the pre-menopausal woman has not previously been treated with an adjuvant endocrine therapy or has not previously received chemotherapy. 159. The computer of any one of claims 134-158, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is at least 40 years old. 160. The computer of any one of claims 134-158, wherein the pre-menopausal woman is younger than 40 years old. Attorney Docket No: 12933.0044-00304 161. The computer of any one of claims 134-160, wherein the breast cancer is lymph-node negative (LN0). 162. The computer of any one of claims 134-161, wherein the breast cancer is HER2-negative.
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