Genetic testing

[witantric]

I am thinking of getting Prolaris genetic testing and also getting testing for the BRCA1 gene. A doctor friend told me that if the genetic testing comes back as possibility of aggressive cancer, it can influence course of treatment.

Thoughts? Am I going overboard here?

[Tall_Allen]

Yes, you are going overboard. Only get tests that are called forced in your treatment decision. Prolaris and germline testing for BRCA is only for men on the fence about active surveillance. Just because you can get a test, doesn't mean you should.

[HopingForTheBest1]

If it wasn't for having genetic testing, I would not have known about being BRCA2+. I had an effective treatment using Olaparib PARP. Even more important, my 2 daughters then had the test and both are BRCA2+. They are proactively dealing, and may save their lives.

I have always gotten useful advice from Tall Allen. But, in this case I have to disagree. Genetic testing can absolutely help determine viable treatment options. So, why not.

[NotAlwaysSunshine]

We knew that my sister in law had a RAD51c and my husband's father had prostate cancer in his 70's. That is why we tested. You could always try Prostate Cancer Promise. org to get a free test. Share with your physician if needed and move on from there. Lynparza worked very well for my husband - 8 months. That was a the longest working therapy he has tried. If you have a positive outcome - your sons and daughters need to be tested.

[pjd55d]

When I was first diagnosed I was asked if I would participate in a Genetic Test - U of Chicago is a research hospital and I thought sure. There is a history of cancer in my family AND I have 2 nephews - one of whose father also had prostate cancer ( brother-in-law - cured they caught it early - he died this year of pancreatic cancer ) and so I wanted my brother and nephews to know what might be floating in their gene pool.

U of C identified the gene and I passed the info on to my family and they have informed their health providers - I thing the info is just something they and their health care people should know

or is this different kind of Genetic Testing for something else

my 2 cents

best to all