My dad just had his RALP and I have heard genomic testing is useful for someone with very high-risk PCa. That being said, is there any difference between doing genomic testing now (using the post-operative prostate tissue), vs. doing it through blood sample in the future, when needed?
The urologist doesn't seem to care too much about the testing, so I think dad is being hesitant spending $$$ right now, especially after the cash outflow from the RALP. I'm just afraid that we may miss this window of opportunity, as there will be no prostate tissue to do the genomic testing in the future.
Thanks.
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sixmongoos
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I read that the Decipher test is a prostate genomic test. Is there any difference between this vs. the Color genomic test? There seems to be multiple companies doing this and was wondering if they test different things.
The color test is a study of the genome of the patient (germline genome). The decipher test studies the genome of the cancer (somatic genome).
The cancers and the patients usually have different genomes. For example the cancer may be BRCA positive and the patient may not have mutations in the BRCA gene.
The cancer is mutating all the time and there are mutations which are associated with rapid progression of the cancer. To decide specific treatments and to make prognosis it is necessary to study the genome of the cancer.
He could get a Color genomic test free as part of the Promise trial if he qualifies (confirmed prostate cancer diagnosis via tissue biopsy, prostate specific antigen (PSA) greater than 100 ng/dL and/or radiographic evidence of the disease)... or just order it and pay out of pocket (about $200).
Thank you! We'll definitely consider it when we're back in town (out of the country atm).
I notice this test is completed through a saliva sample. Just going back to my original question - is there any difference between genomic tests using prostate tissue sample, blood sample, or saliva? Are the tests designed to serve different purposes?
The main distinction is somatic or germline. Always know which one you're getting.
Germline is excellent to have at some time. I got mine days after my RP. I wanted to let my blood relatives know the risks, and I did NOT want to wait. I imagined a situation where I had an inherited genetic mutation and did not tell them as soon as I could, and they later found out they had PCa. I'm the type who would slather myself with blame. Weird because I never blame anyone or myself for my own personal issues.
Somatic can change over time. I am having somatic tests done every 3 or so months to watch for things that might be actionable. This was on advice from my MO (she likes the guardant 360).
This article might help explain it:
Germline and Somatic Mutations: What Is the Difference? | ONS Voice
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