Genetic Testing study. I've done this... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

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Genetic Testing study. I've done this and it was free and simple. I talked to my MO first and she thinks it is a valid test.

26 Replies

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CurrentSEO profile image
CurrentSEO

I did it also in 2020, you can also order directly from them if you are paying cash home.color.com/purchase/ord...

in reply to CurrentSEO

$260 but if you don't qualify for the free study something to consider. If your MO authorizes testing it might be covered by your insurance (my MO would like to do the Guardant 360 and the Biocept blood test).

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen

Thanks! It usually costs $200-$250. It's only a germline test, but for free, why not? Here's more info about what they test for:

prostatecancer.news/2018/02...

in reply to Tall_Allen

Thanks for the information. I had a Tempus test through Mayo but this test includes some different genes.

Do you know anything about cancer mutations over time? In other words, how valid is genetic testing of my biopsy sample vs. a current blood test or saliva test?

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply to

This is a color genome dx test, which is a germline test. Germline tests look at your inherited genome, not the cancer genome. It won't change over time.

in reply to Tall_Allen

Do you know if that applies to Mayo Tempus testing of my cancer biopsy?

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply to

Tests of cancer biopsies are a different sort of test, called "somatic." It shows the current genomic state of the cancer biopsied. That can change over time.

in reply to Tall_Allen

Do we have any idea how much it can change? I assume there is a vast variability.

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply to

Yes, there is variability within the same tumor, between tumors, and now vs later. The process of "genomic breakdown" accelerates as time goes on. That's why I usually advise biopsying the largest and most recent tumors.

dhccpa profile image
dhccpa in reply to Tall_Allen

How widely are those tumor tests being used? I've gathered they haven't really caught on among practicing docs nationwide.

in reply to dhccpa

My MO told me that if I had certain mutations she would target some therapies. She mentioned BRCA and I think PTEN. I don't know how much "some" meant.

But on two genetic tests I don't have any mutations outside of a slight mutation of KMT2D (stop gain and frameshift).

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen in reply to dhccpa

They are expensive, and insurance may balk. But NCCN recommends them for advanced PCa.

dhccpa profile image
dhccpa in reply to Tall_Allen

Thanks

2dee profile image
2dee

In MY case I was BRCA2 positive. Thanks grandpa for the gift.After Lupron and Xtandi failed because of the gene mutation I qualified for the Lynparza treatment. For the last 3 months I am doing much better for a while. Without the gene test I would never have known and wouldn't be getting this extra time with my family.

GET THE TEST if your bloodline relatives had cancer.

2Dee

in reply to 2dee

The company would like data so you're also doing something good for others. And, if you have children, the results might be important for them.

mrscruffy profile image
mrscruffy

I was found to have BRCA2 so my entire family including nieces and nephews were tested. My brother is also positive but so far no cancer. By all means have it done

Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner

FYI. Channing Paller, MD ( the co-primary investigator) received Malecare “Start a Cure” research funding several years ago for a prostate cancer research project.

in reply to Darryl

Nice! Malecare is really doing some good. I'm so pleased with people like you. Is there any way that I can get involved and help out?

Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner in reply to

Yes. Please donate at Malecare.org/donate and direct message me if you would like to offer some volunteer hours per month

Justfor_ profile image
Justfor_

I had the color test and it confirmed my having the hypercholisterlomy mutation.

larry_dammit profile image
larry_dammit

Yes. Did it a year or two ago, didn’t. Find any flaws but still looking 😊

Cooolone profile image
Cooolone

The genetic tests are a window into a world that is only now unfolding. The tests, both Germline and Somatic help identify if there are any mutations, deletions or other genetic errors. Upwards of over 500 markers today I believe that are, or can be associated with PCa. The issue is there are only a few actual drugs approved directed towards this. And those are usually reserved for patients who have failed other therapy lines first, ie, patient becomes resistant to drugs. They're now beginning to explore what patients, with what markers, benefit from what therapies, but this will take time to identify. I believe testing and cataloguing genetics for PCa patients is useful in that regard even if it's for tomorrow's patients! In a sense, no matter what we do, is tracked and benefits those who come behind us.

My Test (MSKCC IMPACT Study) post RP, didn't really show any issues. But post progression (Same Test +2 years) and StgIV diagnosis... wow, 11 changes or identified mutations, etc., with two actionable and another one currently being studied... on that tissue!

To my knowledge, most of these drugs only work for a time as well (most patients) and it's not like the somatic changes are "fixed" as the PCa eventually adjusts like it does with Androgen Deprivation.

But my main purpose for the original test (post RP) was due to family history with cancer and the ability to let my kids know to be on the lookout, not that they aren't aware already. And the 2nd was for exactly what it seems, to see if anything changes, or if there were any targets available for treatment.

Best Regards

MateoBeach profile image
MateoBeach

Thanks RSH1. I’m in.

Farmhand profile image
Farmhand

Excuse my ignorance but, do you liquid biopsy Tests such as guardian and foundation one show only germline mutations that are inherited or do they also show up -regulated mutations as cancer progresses? In other words… Can liquid biopsies reveal uploaded and changing mutations over time?

in reply to Farmhand

Liquid biopsies are increasingly used in the care of patients with advanced cancers. These tests are used to find mutations and other genomic alterations, quantify these findings over time, and guide treatment. It is not unexpected that germline mutations contributing to the development of cancer can be identified in cell-free DNA. Consequently, increased use of liquid biopsies has resulted in subsequent rise of secondary identification of germline mutations.

swwags profile image
swwags

Thank you RSH1 for this info. I recently received my results. There were no genetic mutations found. FWIW, these are the Genes analyzed:

APC, ATM, BAP1, BARD1, BMPR1A, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CDK4, CDKN2A (p14ARF), CDKN2A (p16INK4a), CHEK2, EPCAM, GREM1, MITF, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, NBN, PALB2, PMS2, POLD1, POLE, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, SMAD4, STK11, TP53

My last biopsy was on my lung in 2020 where I started chemo. I'm going to ask for a somatic test to be completed on that biopsy.

All on my Dad's side of the family.

Grandfather - Brain Cancer - deceased

Father- Throat Cancer - deceased

Uncle - Prostate Cancer - deceased

Brother - Brain Cancer - deceased.

In addition to that, My Dad was is the Navy in WWII and was part of the A-Bomb testing in the pacific atolls post war where he was exposed to copious amounts of radiation.

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