Her2neu serum test?
 

I went to a 2nd opinion at the City of Hope and one question I had was about the Her2 serum test. The onc I had was very QUICK to reply on every question I had. She was FAST and seemed very knowledgable about everything I asked her. But when I asked about the her2 serum test it looked like I totally caught her off guard and she looked like she had no idea of what test this was? She just looked at me for a few seconds like she was thinking and said "We don't use that here".

Am I to assume most the cancer centers still don't use this test as of yet? Or maybe she just wasn't up on it?

Chelee

I think it is still not generally used a lot - although there continues to be a lot of research on it, basically to find out when it is most useful. At some point, I think the evidence will be sufficient to clearly point to when it should be used, then the doctors will get on board.

This is interesting: My doctor on the clinical trial, who was my 2nd opinion onc, really poo poo'd it when I brought it up over a year ago. But, this is one of the MANY tests they run as part of the trial! So I assume this is all to contribute to the data - in this case, will the Her2 Serum level correspond to the efficacy of Tykerb treatment. The trial coordinator, by the way, previously worked at Bayer when they were developing the test. All goes round in circles, huh!

My onc pooh-poohs it but humors my and has it done for me when I ask - my numbers on it are sky-high right now, so I'm not that excited to keep getting it done!!

Regards,

Chelee,

Who did you see at City of Hope? When you described the onc as "FAST" it makes me believe you saw mine. She is a little speed demon but will take all the time needed to answer all questions and concerns. City of Hope follows the national guidelines and therefore does not do any of the tumor markers, scans, or other miscellance tests that other oncs do. (However, there is a clinical trial going on right now concerning tumor markers.) The doctors and the facility are are top notch and highly regarded nationwide. I have had all of my treatment done there and am grateful for the care I have received.

My oncologist does the HER2 serum test every 12 weeks for me and it may be that I'm Stage IIIc. My tumor markers have never been reliable (15.3 at diagnosis which is well below "normal" level) so now we are depending upon the HER2 test and any symptoms I may develop. So far my numbers have been below the accepted normal of 15l. Her feeling is that if my number goes up then she will order scans.

Chrisy, That is really something that they are using the her2 serum test in your trial. Ha! I really thought it was being used on a regular basis now at all your major cancer centers...guess not though.
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Gerri, I get all my six month scans but I have to push for them. They rather me not have them to save money. I did ask about the tumor marker at City of Hope and it was mentioned they don't do that either. As we know they really aren't reliable. But I have the place I'm at do them anyway. Mine always seems to be 15. Is it the City of Hope doing a clinical trial on tumor markers...and if so are you in this one?
I sent you the name of the onc I am seeing...I do believe you have the same one. :) She is awesome...I really like her.
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Kate, I am stage IIIA and my onc won't do the her2 serum test. I am not sure she even knows what it is? I am surprised that every time I bring up this test to *any* onc they look like they have no clue what I am talking about? I will have to copy
some literature on this to have on hand for them next time I bring it up. :)


Chelee

Chelee,

I sent you a PM regarding the name of the onc - same one! The tumor marker clinical trial is for newly diagnosed patients prior to any treatment.