Serum HER2/neu Test

Joe · 03-12-2008, 03:38 PM

Here is a link to the latest info on the HER2 Serum Test:

http://www.medical.siemens.com/webap...Id~e_10001.htm

Regards
Joe

TSund · 03-12-2008, 04:25 PM

Is this test available now or in the future?

Is it something that might be worthwhile doing on some kind of regular basis for a non-metastatic patient? Perhaps as an alternative to scans?

Lolly · 03-12-2008, 05:26 PM

Thanks Joe, I bookmarked the site....and hey, our Christine is quoted!

Jean · 03-12-2008, 07:04 PM

Tsund,
The test is available now and most onc. discourage the test unless you have spread of disease...not so...while in SA we had dinner with the dr.
who invented the test...and he told me early stagers can and should have the test as a base line.

Regards,
Jean

TSund · 03-12-2008, 10:36 PM

Jean,

Is this a blood test?

THX!

Terri

tousled1 · 03-13-2008, 04:32 AM

This is the test that has successsfully diagnosed my progression - not once but twice. Tumor marker tests have never been reliable for me but my oncologist and I have found that the HER2 test is extremely reliable ata least in my case.

Chelee · 03-13-2008, 03:12 PM

Jean, I wish that doctor that invented it would send out a "memo" to all the cancer centers telling them this test IS recommended for early stagers too.

(I know he won't...I'm joking of course.)

On a serious note I did ask my oncologist about this test back when Kate 1st mentioned how it worked for her when they found her lung mets. I wanted to see if I could talk my onc into a baseline and continue doing it? She said, "No, we don't use that test". Implying to me...not even for stage IV's?

Then when I went up to the City Of Hope to my 2nd opinion onc that I like so well...she too said they don't use the Her2 serum test. That really surprised me. I still believe in the sooner you find mets the better regardless of what some say. Since we are Her2 which is more aggressive I think all tools should be made availble to us if we are comfortable having them done. (Which I one of them.) So your right Jean, most onc's DO discourage them...I've asked both my onc's now, and both said no.

Chelee

TSund · 03-13-2008, 06:11 PM

Does anyone know why dr's aren't using this test? Unfamiliarity, expense, conflicted feelings about usefulness, etc?

Jean do you know if standard insurance is covering it, and do you know the cost of it on a cash basis?

THX

TRS

Jean · 03-13-2008, 06:26 PM

TSund,
Will find out costs...tomorrow and post.
Yes, it is a blood test. I have learned that msot onc. are slow are on the draw with new test, (remeber when the Oncotype DX test came out)?
Sloan, Mt. Sini, and Cornell in New York were not using it since it was ot
"gold seal" this was only back in 2005...now those very hospital are using the test for the last year. Seem that Her 2 Serum test is having the same
reception. Bet ya, in 2 years it will be standard. That is why this site,
and our information is always cutting edge and out in front.

The dr. told me for those of us that are early stagers we should have a base line so we can track our levels. He said every 6 months.

Chelee this may sound strange for major cancer centers but I have learned that even they can be behind cutting edge. Maybe those centers do have a lab to perform the test.

Regards,
Jean

TSund · 03-13-2008, 06:46 PM

Jean, Thank-you for this info.

"Gold Seal" are words I've come to dislike. For some oncs it seems the "safe" way out and permission not to be informed on the latest advances. Our 1st Onc last May didn't know anything about TCH and told us we were bonkers for pursuing anything but the "golden standard". (AC + TH) I believe to this day that the path Ruth took was the right one for her and hopefully will diminish the chances of cardiac toxicity.

How can a test hurt? Why would they oppose it>? Baffles my mind. The "gold standard" pre-made flow chart determines all...(rolling my eyes)

Joe · 03-13-2008, 07:48 PM

The serum test is a blood test. The cost is about $300.00 so most insurances do cover it.

Regards
Joe