Can you obtain a biopsy when the cancer spreads to the bone?

[Longterm101]

My friends cancer spread to the bone in his hip area.

Can he obtain a biopsy to be sent to Foundation One? Any insight would be appreciated

[cesces]

Why foundation one?

[Longterm101 in reply to cesces]

doesnt have to be. Can be any genetics testing. He wasnt sure if getting a biopsy of the bone could give him insight if the cancer has mutated into Brca 1, etc.

Is it a good idea to have it done?

[pjoshea13 in reply to cesces]

A bone biopsy should be very useful. With advanced cancer, it will be increasingly useful to have a picture of all mutations (germline & somatic). It's very useful to know that one is a BRCA male, & other germline mutations may be useful to know. But for those without germline mutations, a tumor biopsy will reveal the somatic mutations that have occurred - mostly due to treatment.

-Patrick

[Magnus1964]

A bone biopsy is possible. I had one done looking for genetic anomalies. I don't know what Foundation One is.

[Tall_Allen]

Sure. But in addition to Foundation One, a pathological analysis/IHC is important, so the metastasis has to be big enough to do both.

[Rexwaterbury in reply to Tall_Allen]

Is there a preference, bone vs lymph node, when considering a biopsy for genetic testing? Is one site easier with a better yield than the other?

[Tall_Allen in reply to Rexwaterbury]

Bone is usually easier, lymph node has to be enlarged, otherwise it can be difficult. Newer metastases are better. As I said, you may learn more useful stuff from histology/IHC, so make sure it's big enough to get enough tissue for at least that. Stain for DLL3, CGA, NSE, PSMA, AR, PSA, PD-L1, & SST2