@korij3 - Similar Situations and Positive Recovery Stories
Hearing about others in similar situations can provide hope. Here are a few experiences and recovery stories from patients with colorectal cancer, positive Signatera results, and lung nodules, drawn from relevant discussions:
Mayo Clinic Connect Story (Similar to Yours): A patient with colorectal cancer had a positive Signatera test (1.02 MTM/mL) after negative tests post-resection, similar to your shift to 0.5 MTM/mL. Their CT scan showed no masses, but they were told small lesions might not yet be visible. After discussion with their oncologist and a Signatera genetic counselor, they opted for close monitoring and later found the ctDNA cleared without immediate chemo. This patient emphasized the importance of early detection via Signatera, which allowed them to stay proactive.
Lung Nodule Success Story: Another patient on Mayo Clinic Connect had sigmoid colon cancer and a suspicious lung nodule (too small to biopsy) detected after resection. They underwent lung resection 7 weeks later, which confirmed cancer but had clear margins and no lymph node involvement. They skipped adjuvant chemo, relied on regular CT scans and blood tests, and remained cancer-free 18 months later. They credited early detection and a skilled thoracic surgeon at a comprehensive cancer center for their success.
ctDNA-Guided Recovery: In the BESPOKE CRC study, patients with positive ctDNA post-surgery who received adjuvant chemotherapy (like FOLFOX) had a median disease-free survival of 18 months compared to 7 months for those without chemo. This suggests that acting on a positive Signatera result, even at low levels like 0.5, can significantly delay recurrence. Many patients in these studies regained negative ctDNA status after treatment, offering hope for returning to NED (no evidence of disease).
These stories highlight that a positive Signatera result and small lung nodules don’t always mean widespread recurrence. Early intervention, whether through ablation, radiation, or systemic therapy, can lead to long-term control or even cure, especially with Mayo’s multidisciplinary approach. Would you like to explore any further aspects?