Decipher test in Canada

[tn12]

I'm looking into getting a decipher test for my husband. He had his RP in Dec 2021. Would this be done at the hospital where the surgery took place?... assuming they still have the specimen? Or is it something you pay for privately? And if there is no specimen, how is this test done? Anyone in Ontario had this done? Thanks so much.

[Bkraus1]

Have your medical oncologist order the test. The company will get the specimen from the hospital. If I remember right, they charged around $5,000 . Insurance did pay after many months of arguing. I’m not sure what the Canadian system will pay . But would start with your Oncologist.

[Tall_Allen]

Save your money. His PSA is negligible. What decision would you make based on it?

[tn12 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I was under the impression that depending on what the decipher results show, that will let us know how aggressive the cancer is and likely to spread? Then we will know if we can delay or treat sooner. I think his insurance will pay for it, so cost is not a concern at this point. Just want to make the right decision.

[Tall_Allen in reply to tn12]

You have no reason to suspect aggressive PCa at his PSA. Use it if and when you need it.

[Conlig1940 in reply to Tall_Allen]

You did not address the question, which was : " Can the Decipher Test predict the aggressiveness of prostate cancer " ? A simple YES or NO

[Tall_Allen in reply to Conlig1940]

Decipher predicts the risk that the prostate, if left untreated, will cause metastases. If the cancer has been eliminated, it can't cause metastases.

[tn12 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks for clarifying. So it's been almost 3 years since RP. Last PSA was 0.04. Do you think it's worth doing Decipher if/when he has BCR? Or wouldn't make a difference

[Tall_Allen in reply to tn12]

If he has a BCR, Decipher can help you decide whether or not whole pelvic salvage radiation is a good idea.

[tn12 in reply to Tall_Allen]

And if the score is favorable, then radiation only to prostate area?

[Tall_Allen in reply to tn12]

If PSA is low and slow.

[tn12 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Ok thank you so much

[tn12 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Also, would it make a difference to start the Decipher process sooner rather than wait? Just because once BCR hits we would already know instead of waiting however long for results

[Tall_Allen in reply to tn12]

It takes less than 2 weeks.

[tn12 in reply to Tall_Allen]

From the trend so far, it's showing to be low and slow I think..

[Conlig1940 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Tall_Allen,

Thanks for your response and clarification -- tn12 will appreciate it .

[tango65]

Talk with the doctor who did the prostatectomy Call the department of patholigy where he had the prostatectomy to see if they still have the anatomic piece and the slides.

If the doctor thinks the test is indicated, and there is tissue available, get in touch with Decipher

decipherbio.com/contact-us/

[Hidden]

Save your money; Allen is spot on. One’s treatment is simple - kill the little bastards, keep the pedal down, listen to MO. In my world it mattered not if the cancer was aggressive..... cancer is simple. It’s mutant cells that rapidly divide and grow. Do all you can to stop the growth and to weaken the mutant cells to collapse and die or at least slow down the rapid growth. Blood work and scans will guide your MO in treating this terrible disease. Best Wishes.

Gourd Dancer

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

See, I knew I liked you for some reason.............Good advice...............

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 04/27/2023 10:56 PM DST