DNA

[GMC1]

What is the DNA test for? Is it the Tcell test to determine which/what treatment is best for you? Why would a doctor refuse to do that?

I will appreciate any help with this.

[jpoehlmann]

I am not sure why any doctor would refuse to do a DNA analysis. Getting a genetic panel done on a newly diagnosed tumor is quite normal these days, because it lets the oncologist know whether the patient is a candidate for immunotherapy or for a growing list of possible targeted therapies. Such a panel would look for specific markers and for actionable mutations, thus helping to determine the best treatment options (and ruling out others that would not be appropriate).

Sometimes it may be difficult to get a proper biopsy of a solid tumor to do the panel that way, and a surgeon might hesitate going in for a sample when the risk is too great. But in such an instance, there are liquid biopsies that can be done through simple blood draws.

I would highly recommend discussing these issues with your medical oncologist.

[GMC1 in reply to jpoehlmann]

Is the DNA the same test as the Tcell?

[GMC1 in reply to GMC1]

By the way, thank you for your answer. Sadly, I don't feel communication with this doctor is very good. He says what his plan for the day is without conversation. It almost seems like a power play. He is suppose to be very good. But when questioned, his answers are short and vague and controlling. His way or the highway, seems like.

[jpoehlmann in reply to GMC1]

I'm sorry to hear that. It might help you if you have another person there with you to ask questions and take notes. Sometimes that can make a difference. Not all doctors are known for their bedside manner, regardless of how skilled they are. He should, however, be willing to address your questions when you have them in a way that you can understand.

[GMC1 in reply to jpoehlmann]

Thanks again for your replies to my questions. I especially thank you for the Tcell-DNA question.

After getting 5-6 Keytruda treatments and a pet showing improvement, he decided my husband would no longer be getting it,

but only continuing the chemo. When asked why no Keytruda he said

It does things to the lung??? I am at a loss. I have medical training and know this is not the way you treat patients or their wives.

[jpoehlmann in reply to GMC1]

A T cell is a type of white blood cell known as lymphocytes. These cells fight off diseases; specifically, T cells respond to viral infections. You generally get a blood test to check for T cell counts before you are treated with chemotherapy. This is not part of a DNA test. Genetic panels look for mutations in the cell DNA that we have drugs to treat, as well as for different "markers" that show whether certain drugs might be effective, such as immunotherapy drugs.