HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Response from Dr. Carney re: Bayer serum test

MGordon · 06-30-2005, 02:45 PM

Just a quick 2 cents worth - if it's really woth that much ;-)

It is my understanding that Onc's will continue to use FISH and/or IHC testing for tissue samples. The goal of the serum test is to continue to measure HER2 by blood samples and therefore reduce any follow-on biopsy surgery requirements. The FISH and IHC require tissue sample and the serum requires blood work.

If an Onc can monitor continued HER2 status throughtout treatment without invasive biopsy so much the better. Now an Onc can monitor status more often and use this metric as "part of his/her toolbox" to monitor the efficiency of current treatment and/or consider additional treatment as well. As this deisease repsonds to treatment, HER2 status can change. If the change can be monitored via blood test vs. biopsy halleljuah!

Once again - my take - and I am by no means an expert of a doctor!
Mel (spouse of Lisa)

06-30-2005, 02:45 PM	#9
MGordon Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 131	Just a quick 2 cents worth - if it's really woth that much ;-) It is my understanding that Onc's will continue to use FISH and/or IHC testing for tissue samples. The goal of the serum test is to continue to measure HER2 by blood samples and therefore reduce any follow-on biopsy surgery requirements. The FISH and IHC require tissue sample and the serum requires blood work. If an Onc can monitor continued HER2 status throughtout treatment without invasive biopsy so much the better. Now an Onc can monitor status more often and use this metric as "part of his/her toolbox" to monitor the efficiency of current treatment and/or consider additional treatment as well. As this deisease repsonds to treatment, HER2 status can change. If the change can be monitored via blood test vs. biopsy halleljuah! Once again - my take - and I am by no means an expert of a doctor! Mel (spouse of Lisa)