BC gene patent goes to court
 

Myriad breast cancer patient very broad study finds

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUST...me=ushealth200

Joan

Re: BC gene patent goes to court
 

Hi Joan,

I'm not "taking sides" on this, but I've heard that the testing is free in Europe because the patent doesn't apply there, and since it is known to cost around $3,000 or more in the US to be tested....

Well, IF a person from the US was eligible to get the test done in Europe for free, one wonders whether it might be quite nice to sample the delights of Europe with a plane ticket and a stay at a nice hotel....

A.A.

Re: BC gene patent goes to court
 

AA,

This is good to know.

Thanks!

Joan

Re: BC gene patent goes to court
 

AA,

When I first requested for the Genetic test, both the gynecologist and the geneticist wanted to charge me the $3000.00.

I complained to my medical oncologist when I saw him less than a month later, he said he would order it for me. I think psychologically he just wanted to prove that I was being a hypochondriac. But it had turned out that I did have a variant of unknown significance.

When I learned about my 2nd Brother's colon cancer surgery/treatment, I asked for the hysterectomy/oophorectomy. My family doctor thought I was crazy (he did not know anything about my family history - my Mother's Non-Hodgekins Lymphoma when she was 73) But my oncologist gave me the nod. I'm very happy about my decision.

I think anyone who's got a family cancer history or recurrence should be able to request it and get it paid for by the insurance.

Re: BC gene patent goes to court
 

If there is a known mutation in the family it can be as low as $350.00, but I was told $3,500.00 for full sequencing.FYI,Medicare will pay in full if patients pedigree warrants testing.
Sometimes there are studies being done where genetic testing is part of the study.

Marcia

Re: BC gene patent goes to court
 

BCBS paid fully for mine 4 years ago. I guess because my dad was adopted and I have no family history for that side of the family.

My dear friend here in Austin, Genae Girard, is the cancer patient who initiated the lawsuit against Myriad...