Her2 serum test?

[Chelee]

Since my recent recurrence I have had a couple 2nd opinions. I was a little surprised that they aren't for using the Her2 serum test? Now that I'm stage IV I thought for sure I could talk them into a baseline & use that as one tool in my trt. But all three onc which includes mine says no. Even Dr. Slamon said it is sensitive in one direction...but not enough in the other and he is not for using it right now. I just asked my onc & all she would say is it's not ready for prime time. What I've read about it sounds great.

I know some on this board are using it...when will it be ready for so called prime time?

Chelee

[margiermc]

My doctor just tested me thurs. i get the results baseline on friday - i live in tampa

[Chelee]

Margiermc, Do you mind me asking what stage you are? Have you already been through treatment...or ready to start?
I know the woman on this board that have mentioned using the Her2 serum test...it has always worked well for them. Sounds like you have a great onc treating you which is so important.

Chelee

[Rich66]

I am working on collecting a few articles for you. But..to me, it seems that the her2serum test is a bit like tumor markers in that it can be more or less indicative depending on the person. I tend to look it at as another piece of the puzzle to track and maybe more helpful when someone is borderline Her2+ on biopsy i.e. elevation may sway oncs to add in Herceptin. My sense is that there are more and more reasons to have a Her inhibitor (Herceptin, Lapatinib or both) in the mix, even after a perceived progression. Do you remember which direction Dr. Slamon thought the test was useful for?

[Chelee]

Rich, I totally agree it is used as just one piece of the puzzle...another added tool that should be used IMO. I've just noticed over time on this board most of the members that used the Her2 serum test seemed to be stage III or IV? That might not always be the case but that what comes to my mind. As to what Dr. Slamon said...unfortunetly he did not say which direction it worked better in? I even asked my husband in case I missed it...but he was not specific.

I did do a search on this board & found a article on the Her2 serum test that Lani posted not long ago...also Joe in this same thread left a link that covers everything about the Her2 serum test. Both were very informative. Here's the link if your interested.

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=40978&highlight=her2+serum (http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=40978&highlight=her2+serum)


Chelee

[margiermc]

Hi - (Mc) I am stage 4 - on treatment with herceptin only, and vaccination. The serum test is just another
measure of markers - along with scans. My dr. is
very vigilent on keeping me schedule with all test. The serum is new to him - I found out this test from this website - he said lets do the test. We will see the baseline on Thur. I will update all - new to all of this, unfortunetly.

[Chelee]

Hi margiermc, I've read most your posts on this board and I am sorry you had to join our club...but in saying that I can see you have a wonderful onc you can depend on. It's obvious from your posts that your onc wants the best for you...as he uses all tools available to him. His follow-up care of you is impressive! Your truly are in good hands. I've been trying for 3 yrs to get my onc to use the Her2 serum test...but she won't. I was stage III but now I'm IV so I thought she would go for it. But she still says its not ready for prime time...I happen to disagree. From what I understand it's not even that expensive a test to run, which is why I first thought she was against it.

I'm sure you will get good results on Thrus! Looking forward to your update. I'm glad you found a great onc...it makes a world of difference.

Chelee

[Rich66]

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=213052#post213052

[margiermc]

my results did not come back yet, it takes at
least 2 weeks, a long wait - but other tumor
markers were normal