Need your input /Dx tests

[tousled1]

IM thankful tht my onc uses the HER2 serum test. My baseline was 10.1 and that weas right before I started Herceptin. I had it done every 12 weeks and it constantly dropped to a low of 6.3. I've been offHerceptin since the end of April and my last HER2 serum was 9.5 so I asked for a scan -- well I now have lung mets. I strongly believe that had I not been having the serum test I still would not be aware of my lung mets since onc and I decided that we would not do rountine scans unless I had symptoms or my markers went up.


This is not to say the Serum test is right for eveyone or that a rise would indicate mets. But, in my case my body was very sensitive to the test.

[Chelee]

Kate, Your orignal post about your lung mets is what really got me thinking about WHY they don't use this for us her2 gals. In your case it seems to have put up a red flag right away. I for one want to know as soon as possible if something is going on & the her2 serum test sure seemed to work great for you.

There may be some women that rather not use this as it does cause anxiety for many...but I would really look forward to the regular use of this in my case. Hopefully soon there will be enough proof that this is a very valuable and reliable tool to use.

Chelee

[Adriana Mangus]

Hi Christine: I haven't had the Elissa2 Test.

[Lolly]

Christine, after our talk this morning regarding the GSK teleconference, I realized I'd meant to post on this thread but somehow forgot; apologies for the delay, hope it's still timely.

My onc ordered the Elissa Her2 Serum last spring after I started progressing, to monitor response to new treatment. I had the test once monthly for 3 months;

month one - 12.7
month two - 11.5
month three - 6.8

PET/CT the following month showed no new progression and active tumors shrinking, so it really put our minds at ease that the active cancer was under control and any circulating "baddies" were being eliminated.

[StillHere]

No, I have not had the HER2 serum test to my knowledge. I just started asking the lab tech what she is drawing ea visit the past 7 mos. Just CBC's, Chem panels and CA 27-29 tests. My CA-27-29 markers are gradually going up Dec- 28, Mar- 37, Jun- 41. Have another draw this week Friday. If trend continues have PET scan.

[StephN]

Hi -
I already responded on this thread, but was not very detailed.

Saw my med onc and mentioned the debate here on this test. She said that is expected as there are trials now that will collect more data on this test, as well as individuals using it to monitor stage IV.

She would not be inclined to use the test for early stage cancer at this time, as there are other tests. I did mention Kate's finding with her number still being in the "normal" range. My onc's reaction was "that's interesting as one more thing we are still trying to detemine is the cut point." From this comment I gather that the normal range as now established came from a pool of data and there is still some possibility for the range to adjust. (Unless she was meaning by "cut point" WHO should have the test ...)

She said that in a year from now there should be a lot more info available and data crunched. That would be the time to look for more with which to arm yourselves in asking for this test if not a stage IV patient, and your onc is reluctant at this stage.

P.S. My numbers have been in the 7.9 to 8.9 range. My other markers (CEA, C-125 and CA27-29) are steady as can be. The ovarian marker is taken since once we have one cancer we are at a higher risk for others.

[Helen]

I have asked my onc about it several months ago and he said he does not do it. I don't know how I can convince him to do it for me or how I can get this test for myself.

Helen