Circulating tumor cells
 

Has anybody had a circulating tumor cell or circulating cell-free DNA test? If so, what is the name of the test or the name of the outside lab (like Foundation One, etc.), if the test was done offsite.

Over the last nine years since becoming metastatic, I've had a few different oncologists, and all of them have said that these tests are not reliable and they don't use them. But I know of a few people who have been getting tested regularly.

Thanks.

Joan

Re: Circulating tumor cells
 

I get the HER2 Elisa. Not as often as before but still twice a year. I can find out which lab they send the test to, but can't recall just this instant ...

Re: Circulating tumor cells
 

Did your test ever show circulating cells? I'm assuming that it doesn't show them now. It seems like Dr. G is using the test to keep an eye on you.

Re: Circulating tumor cells
 

Joan--

My oncologist recommended the test that Guardant does. (http://guardanthealth.com/). It tests circulating tumor cells and identifies mutations and amplifications.

My test showed three mutations and three amplifications. One of my amplifications is HER-2 (of course!). One of the mutations is P-53. There are drugs in phase 1 clinical trials for several of the abnormalities I have. My oncologist said a successful P-53 drug would be a "home run." She's working on one in her lab. Here's more about that mutation: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/TP53

I think my insurance covered the test. At any rate no one has billed me for it.

Amy

Re: Circulating tumor cells
 

Amy,

Thanks for your reply and the links. I'm going to start working on getting a test. To get around my onc's resistance.

Joan