What is a fish test and what is 17p deletion, and why don't they do these tests in the uk

[Lisabean]

What is a fish test and what is 17p deletion. Thank you

[Newdawn Administrator]

Hi Lisa,

This booklet will tell you everything you need to know about CLL and page 19 covers the issue of deletions and the tests undertaken to detect our unique bio-markers. FISH is usually done by a blood test (or bone marrrow test) and is called cytogenetic testing. You’re right to say it isn’t routinely carried out in the UK but can be requested and it needs to be done if treatment is imminent. The results can guide the type of treatment which may be most successful. Having a 17p deletion allows for BTK oral meds like Ibrutinib to be given as a first line treatment in the U.K.

nccn.org/patients/guideline...

Hope this helps. It’s a very comprehensive booklet.

Best wishes,

Newdawn

[Spacee]

I am guessing the UK doesn’t do it routinely because of the cost. When my son was at Cambridge and developed Plantars Fascitis. It was so bad he had to walk with a cane. He was 28 yo. The doc said “We cannot treat you because we are 30,000 pounds over budget but I can refer you to a support group where you can talk about your pain.

That’s why I think it is the cost. The UK probably wants to put their money into the cost of treatment for CLL.

Spacee (Linda)

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to Spacee]

I'd say it's because it's a cost that doesn't provide any change in management. Why provide the test at diagnosis when it needs to be done again before treatment because the results can change over time?