Signatera Test. Is it truly helpful and worthwhile?

Each tumor has its own DNA signature. Natera evaluates a sample of the tumor tissue for ( about) 14 markers. The blood test then scans for fragments of those DNA markers. Each tumor is distinct. This is my understanding but you can contact Natera or go on website for information.

It does not detect a new tumor, it only detects recurrence with matching circulating tumor DNA of your original tumor.

I have had the test drawn twice so far. I just got my second test results today, it has been positive both times. A PET scan was ordered after the first test which did show 4 areas of concern, but my CT scans did not show anything. My oncologist does not want to start any new treatment until something definitive shows up on a CT scan or bone scan. I’m almost a year out from completing my surgeries and radiation. 10 months on Letrozole. I feel stuck in limbo with knowing it’s somewhere but not adding any treatment to stop it from growing.

Thank you for adding your experience. As I posited at the start a negative test leaves one with some relief for a while and a positive test leaves one in limbo worrying what’s next.

So sorry to hear about it. May God bless you. I highly recommend the book “Healing the sick” T L Osborn.

I think you are doing something by taking the AI. The AI inhibits any cancer growth by depriving the cancer cells of estrogen. Even if you have cancer cells circulating, the AI should mitigate or prevent growth.

Thank you. I hope the AI keeps it from growing. I talked to my breast surgeon about my Signatera results and she is recommending to go back and do a mastectomy, (I just had a lumpectomy w/ radiation and had my ovaries removed when I was first diagnosed.) my oncologist isn’t sure that it will change anything.

Thanks for sharing and it sounds like your oncologist is on board! My oncologist at Dana Farber here in Boston was not and it's disappointing some docs don't want to use some of these new tools as early detection is still all we have. How difficult is it to get a sample of my tumor as I had a lumpectomy for invasive lobular in Nov 2022. I doubt Dana Farber would let me use their lab for the blood work up. Any intel appreciated!xoxo

I never heard of this test. Thanks for the info. Hugs to all of you!

I, too, am interested in the Signaterra test for tracking any recurrence because I am one of the small % of people who absolutely cannot tolerate the A.I. drugs OR Tamoxifen (apparently). Therefore, my tumor, which is 95% estrogen positive and has an onco score of 29 is 36% likely to recur if I don't take adjuvant therapy drugs, and I really can't for the A.I. pills, for sure (crippled me for 6 months; very bad osteoarthritis and previously injured left knee joint. In the MOST study from 1997 to 2020). I have had 3 oncologists and none will order it, because there was no spread and the level of my tumor was 1A. I learned from talking to the company itself (twice) that you can pay for it yourself and it is affordable, whereas it is pricey if it is on insurance. Still, my best onco (Texas) is hesitant, so I have to have a CT Scan with contrast on Tuesday, because my LFT (Liver function Test) numbers are off the charts, whereas they were fine one year ago. My father had colon cancer which traveled to his liver and killed him within 6 months, so I am very nervous. I also have never had a CT scan wih contrast, which sounds not fun. I have the information from Signaterra about getting the test yourself, and what that would cost, if anyone wants me to copy it, but I think you still need a physician to authorize it and, so far, none of them will. I also wonder, "How long do they keep the tumor on ice to go in and examine those 14 strands?" I ask because mine was excised on 1/27/2022 and that is going on 2 years ago, so how many years do I have this option before the remaining tumor material is destroyed? 3? 5? Anybody know.