FYI. The free genetics testing offer from "PROMISE" is quite legit. Here is some of what I received.

[Skipper238]

Hello everyone,

The free genetics testing for people with prostate cancer was easy, fast and free, FYI. I have received my results (sample sections shown below). If you are interested in learning about it, here's the link.

prostatecancerpromise.org/h...

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Below, is part of what I received a couple of weeks after submitting my saliva sample.

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COLOR HEREDITY cancer test

NO MUTATIONS WERE IDENTIFIED

This means no pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants (also called mutations) associated with hereditary colorectal, male breast, melanoma, pancreatic, prostate, or stomach cancers were identified in any of the genes analyzed.

This result does not eliminate your risk of developing cancer. Inherited mutations explain some cases of cancer, but many are not inherited and cannot be explained by a single cause. Some non-genetic factors that can influence risk include environment and lifestyle, as well as family history without a known genetic link.

GENES ANALYZED: The genes below were analyzed, and no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants associated with an increased risk of some hereditary cancers were identified. Please see the test methodology and limitations section for additional information.

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

prostatecancerpromise.org/h...

[Shooter1]

My testing 4 years ago showed no actionable mutations and last years CTC analysis again showed no actionable mutations and very low mutation load. 0.46.

[Skipper238 in reply to Shooter1]

Would it maybe be better if we had mutations, since we might then qualify for certain clinical trials that we might not qualify for otherwise?

[tango65]

The Color genetic test is a germline test , it does not analyze the genetic composition of the cancer. One does not know if the cancer has actionable mutations. To do the genetic study of the cancer one needs a direct biopsy of the mets or a liquid biopsy.

[Skipper238 in reply to tango65]

It seems that the primary value of this test, then, is to provide it to family members?

[tango65 in reply to Skipper238]

There are germline mutations associated with hereditary PC. The common tests do not study most of them. ""more than 150 common genetic variants associated with prostate cancer risk has been identified. Individuals can be genotyped for all known prostate cancer risk markers relatively easily; but, to date, studies have not demonstrated that this information substantially refines risk estimates from commonly used variables, such as family history.""cancer.gov/types/prostate/h...

[Skipper238 in reply to tango65]

I guess I have some studying to do. I'm pretty confused about it all, right now! It seems like a testing from a biopsy, at some point, would be worthwhile. I think I'll just go with that for now! Thanks to all. 👍

[tango65 in reply to Skipper238]

To know the mutations of the cancer, somatic mutations , may be important for prognosis and treatment of the cancer.

[Skipper238 in reply to tango65]

Fair enough, but I'm going to need a doctor that's smart enough to know that. So far, no one has mentioned this to me. And, I hate to say it, but I just had a biopsy done and this testing didn't get done. The only thing they did was confirm metastasis. 😂

[tango65 in reply to Skipper238]

They may have enough material in the slides to do a genetic study of the cancer. Request the study and push the doctor to get it done. The cancer may have mutations which could make the cancer to respond for a while to drugs such Olaparib, Rucaparib and or Keytruda (all approved drugs) or similar drugs in clinical trials.

[Yank66 in reply to Skipper238]

Hubby’s genetic testing was done 7 years after his surgery-we had path report that recorded biopsy number. That was used for the genetic testing and discovered Lynparza could work on his ATM mutations.

[cesces in reply to Skipper238]

Well... the tp53 defect makes it more likely that bipolar androgen therapy will work on you.

[pjoshea13 in reply to Skipper238]

Germline tests uncover genetic variants (polymorphisms). They are not mutations, since you are born with them. Most are currently of limited value in that they have no effect on therapy. One notable exception is BRCA (1 or 2), since Olaparib (Lynparza) may be used at some point:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olaparib

Others here are more informed about actionable variants.

Somatic mutations are those that emerge as cancer progresses. They are largely a response to treatment. Aggressive treatment leads to adaptations that are difficult to treat. Unfortunately, drugs are approved if there is a positive effect on survival, but they are not paired with other drugs that might inhibit the common mutations that cause the main drug to fail.

(Note that a man without BRCA2, say, might develop it within a tumor, in which case Olaparib might become useful.)

-Patrick

[Skipper238 in reply to pjoshea13]

Thanks, Patrick. This was helpful for me.

[j-o-h-n]

I promise this is a one time question, "is the free cost for this test discounted for members?"

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 01/29/2022 2:00 PM EST

[Skipper238 in reply to j-o-h-n]

John, It's unfortunately the opposite. Members of HealthUnlocked are deemed to be more knowledgeable and are expected to require more time from this testing company. The company anticipates having to answer many questions, etc., so they have set their pricing policy accordingly. Our price is, unfortunately, 1.5 x their standard rate of zero. Sorry. It's a burden we'll have to carry. I've already sent in my additional payment for the incremental 0.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Skipper238]

Cash or Check?

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 01/29/2022 2:22 PM EST

[Skipper238 in reply to j-o-h-n]

I actually paid via wire transfer of Doge coins crypto.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Skipper238]

And I guess any rounding up was paid in deposit bottles.........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 01/29/2022 2:37 PM EST

[Rsdutcher7]

The promise “color” test is FREE. It tells about “germline” mutations. Which is what you’re born with. We used Gardant 360 (blood draw) for “somatic” mutation of the actual circulating tumor cells. Cancer is thought to be more “epigenetic” now-a-days from environmental & life style factors. Our Gardant 360 said the tumors are BRCA2. But thank goodness “Color” did not which means it wasn’t passed on to our 3 daughters. It’s more important to know what the tumor Circulating tumor cells are for targeted therapies!

It’s still good to do the free “color” test to be reassured you aren’t as likely to pass your cancer to your kids!

[Skipper238 in reply to Rsdutcher7]

Excellent. Thank you.