Stage 2B lung cancer, new brain lesion

[Jagsmom]

I had a URL on 2/20/2020, then chemo 3/13/2020 - 6/3/2020. My test results on 6/20/2020 showed no evidence of disease (NED) and I was staged at 2B. I had a CT scan and PET scan 12/1/2020 and a very small lesion was found on my brain. From neck down, I am still NED. I went from stage 2B to stage 4. What is the likelihood this was a “stray” cancer cell and my Gamma Knife procedure next week will get me back to NED long term? Any experience with this?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

There’s an excellent chance this can take you back to NED. No guarantees though.

Because you had chemotherapy any genomic testing done on the 2B cancer may no longer be valid because the cancer may have mutated further. Ask about having a liquid biopsy to learn if there is a targeted therapy you should be on.

[Jagsmom in reply to Denzie]

Hi Denzie. Thanks for your response. Question - would the liquid biopsy have to be done before the gamma knife procedure or could it be done at a later date?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Jagsmom]

A later date should be fine. If I understand it correctly, radiation kills the DNA, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that alters the DNA. My understanding may be imperfect. The brain mets may not shed enough RNA to use a liquid biopsy. You should ask the doctor.

[Jagsmom in reply to Denzie]

Thanks Denzie.