DNA testing of cancer

[1969andy]

Has anyone had DNA testing of their cancer to determine treatment protocol?

It strikes me that the usual methods are "try this and see" or "hit it with everything", with the latter, not knowing what is actually working, if anything!

A company that offer this is Oncologica (oncologica.com): their DNA test cost just under £2,000.

Any thoughts/experiences?

[Steveo3312]

I tried to do a test but they didn't have enough left over of my biopsy samples.

I think it was called DX onx that's all I can remember not sure what the whole name was.

[1969andy in reply to Steveo3312]

Thanks Steve

That would be my concern, that's even if the samples have been retained: my biopsy was back in November.

[Steveo3312 in reply to 1969andy]

FYI I have entered into a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic they take a blood test and they are supposed to determine if my cancer will come back.I'm sure the results of this clinical trial will not be available for another few years.

[vandy69]

Hello 1969andy,

During my 5 1/2 year battle, I have had 4 Guardant360 liquid biopsies and 1 FoundationOne tissue biopsy. Please see my bio for complete treatment history.

The Guardant360 takes 2 vials of blood. Over the times of the 4 liquid biopsies, you could see the genetic changes in my cancer. At one point, this test identified an ATM defect and Dr. Charles "Snuffy" Myers prescribed Lynparza, a PARP inhibitor. I got about 1 year from Lynparza, but without this liquid biopsy, it would never have been used.

FoundationOne requires a tissue sample, and mine was from my liver, as I now have liver mets. It identified several genetic defects, including loss of PTEN, but there are currently no actionable drugs or treatments.

Seems to me that anyone with aggressive prostate cancer should have a Guardant360 liquid biopsy and/or FoundationOne tissue test.

Best wishes. Never Give In.

Mark, Atlanta

[sedgley]

Hi Andy. Are you referring specifically to the PTEN and PML genes found to be missing when lipids then seem to be allowed to run amok within PCa cells?

[1969andy]

Sorry, Sedgely, I don't know.