I had Stage 2, aggressive, muscle invasive bladder cancer diagnosed in April 2023. I had 12 weeks of chemo, Radical Cystectomy, and one year of immunotherapy. My Natera has stayed steady at around 0.17 molecules/ml. My oncologist wishes it was down to zero, so I continue having a Natera blood test every four months and also a CT scan. My oncologist says the Natera test is so new that oncologists are still learning how to use it. If you don't mind answering, what Natera numbers are your mother getting and how is her treatment being adjusted?
My results in two-month intervals are 0.25, 4.73, 0.13, 0.15, 0.17, 0.24, 0.17, and 0.00. 4.73 was two weeks after surgery and was expected. My oncologist hoped for 0.00 sooner because of 12 months of immunotherapy but better late than never.
My 5/1 Signatera came back negative. Wait and see if the Northstar Response on 5/29 does the same. Hopefully, nivolumab is eradicating MRD, if any. CT and MRI this Wednesday 5/14.
Happy to report that after completing four planned rounds of EV-Pembro (ending on April 24) my mom's most recent Natera Signatera test came back with no observation of any (!) of the 16 tumor-informed mutations they're looking for. We received this information via a call we scheduled with one of Natera's genetic counselors. The patient report read "Negative".
This is an improvement from my mom's March Natera Signatera test (after her first two rounds) which also read "Negative". But our oncologist learned at that time there was an observation of one of the 16 tumor-informed mutations. (To reduce the rate of false positives, Natera requires observation of two or more of the mutations for the patient report to read "Positive".)
Re-staging CT imaging confirms this progress.
We have been cleared for consolidative surgery (nephroureterectomy) on June 6, and my mom is currently recovering during a 6 week "wash out" period.
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That is very interesting. Your case implies nivo can keep working after completing therapy.
My oncologist said that was definitely true.
Checkmate 274 showed this efficacy. Very encouraging!
My results in two-month intervals are 0.25, 4.73, 0.13, 0.15, 0.17, 0.24, 0.17, and 0.00. 4.73 was two weeks after surgery and was expected. My oncologist hoped for 0.00 sooner because of 12 months of immunotherapy but better late than never.
Hopefully it stays 0 going forward!
My 5/1 Signatera came back negative. Wait and see if the Northstar Response on 5/29 does the same. Hopefully, nivolumab is eradicating MRD, if any. CT and MRI this Wednesday 5/14.
Hopeful update!
Happy to report that after completing four planned rounds of EV-Pembro (ending on April 24) my mom's most recent Natera Signatera test came back with no observation of any (!) of the 16 tumor-informed mutations they're looking for. We received this information via a call we scheduled with one of Natera's genetic counselors. The patient report read "Negative".
This is an improvement from my mom's March Natera Signatera test (after her first two rounds) which also read "Negative". But our oncologist learned at that time there was an observation of one of the 16 tumor-informed mutations. (To reduce the rate of false positives, Natera requires observation of two or more of the mutations for the patient report to read "Positive".)
Re-staging CT imaging confirms this progress.
We have been cleared for consolidative surgery (nephroureterectomy) on June 6, and my mom is currently recovering during a 6 week "wash out" period.
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1 ReactionExcellent! Here is to long term remission!
My CT and MRI yesterday came back clean fortunately.
Great news!!
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