Gina -- Studies re: chemo & Herceptin

[Janet/FL]

This is reposted. Thank you.

Gina writes:
hopes this clears things up...at some point I will relocate the studies and post them for us all, Gina

Janet Replies:
Yes, Gina, please do since I am in a postition that I can stop the Taxotere and continue with the Herceptin. But have not seen the studies that would back up your claim. Would be glad to forward them to the Research Nurse for her opinion.
Also, you talk about markers for Her2. What type of follow up tests would you do after the tumor itself has been removed and tested? My two oncs, do not like the Bayer Serum test. Is there another one?
My regular tumor markers remain very low, but they were very low prior to my lumpectomy so maybe not very accurate. My Her2 was very high.
Thanks
Janet/FL

[Christine]

Janet,

What reason did your oncs give for not liking the Bayer test? As I see it, it is a useful tool that should be used in conjunction with tumor markers.

Hugs
Christine

[Janet/FL]

Hi Christine

They felt if wasn't accurate. Didn't really measure anything. Or something to that effect. Supposedly the Research nurse did evaluate the test and got the information from Bayer. If I knew of a lab to send it to, perhaps I could have them do it on a scheduled blood draw and have them send it and I would pay for it if necessay. Sure would like to know how much it costs and which lab already has the necessary equipment.
Can you help me through this maze? Give me a direction? Have you had it done?
Thanks,
Janet

[imported_Joe]

Janet,

My tests were performed at Labcorp. The cost is around $200.00 +/-.

I had it done twice so far, my reading was around 6. Over 15 is abnormal.
My onc feels that every 3 months is necessary. This is a handy tool for the oncs to monitor the rise and fall of HER2 levels in the blood.

For more detailed info on the test, go to our Tests page. There is a powerpoint presentation which details the test.

HER2 Tests Page (http://www.her2support.org/a/newher2_004.htm)

Hugs
Christine