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Somatic Testing

Posted by johndavis60 @johndavis60, Jul 29 5:33pm

My MO ordered a somatic test. I already had a germline test and showed no mutations. Anybody here have somatic testing and did it change specific treatment plans or did it just confirm things that were already known?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

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steveapplebaugh | @steveapplebaugh | Jul 31 3:33pm
In reply to @brianjarvis "The genetic (germline) test shows you which prostate cancer related genes you may have inherited from..." + (show)
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The genetic (germline) test shows you which prostate cancer related genes you may have inherited from your parents (BRCA1/2, ATM,
CHEK2, HOXB13, MSH2, etc.).

The genetic (somatic) test shows you which genes you have acquired (mutated variants) caused by cell mutations or environmental factors (but not inherited). Results from these tests may impact treatment decisions.

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So, if there is a connection between various chemicals/compounds that I encountered regularly in my job and prostate cancer, the genetic (somatic) test will show that? Wow! Contemporary medical technology truly is amazing!

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steveapplebaugh | @steveapplebaugh | Jul 31 3:39pm
In reply to @brianjarvis "Remember that anything a urologist/oncologist tells you that’s their opinion or interpretation, you should get a..." + (show)
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Remember that anything a urologist/oncologist tells you that’s their opinion or interpretation, you should get a 2nd opinion on - MRI results, biopsy results, PET scan results, and treatment decisions.

So, if he says “Welp, there is nothing we can do for you,” then ask for an independent 2nd opinion.

Plus, prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment is one of self-advocacy and shared decision-making. You need to come up to speed on the nuances of the disease, your diagnosis, and appropriate treatments so that you can come back with “What about this possible treatment?”

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I am so new to this whole PSA possible cancer "thing" for myself, although Dad passed away from PC at age 65. Everyone assumed that Agent Orange had some critical role in his cancer - he was a fighter pilot during the war in Viet Nam. I appreciate reading your comments, Brian. I have been a vocal self-advocate, and I will try to be a well-informed one as well.

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surftohealth88 | @surftohealth88 | Jul 31 7:57pm
In reply to @johndavis60 "Thanks Surfer!! Image doesn’t look that much different from the PSMA scan I had on March..." + (show)
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Thanks Surfer!!
Image doesn’t look that much different from the PSMA scan I had on March 27. Before my prostatectomy and lymphadenectomy. I was fearing the worse (as I commonly do). Still waiting for report. I’m hoping the white parts between my kidneys and bladder are parts of my ureter.

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I think that your guess is probably correct. Any place where urine passes can "glow", and those lines look like left and right ureter :).

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brianjarvis | @brianjarvis | Jul 31 8:03pm
In reply to @steveapplebaugh "So, if there is a connection between various chemicals/compounds that I encountered regularly in my job..." + (show)
Profile picture for steveapplebaugh @steveapplebaugh

So, if there is a connection between various chemicals/compounds that I encountered regularly in my job and prostate cancer, the genetic (somatic) test will show that? Wow! Contemporary medical technology truly is amazing!

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Yes, they may show possible environmental mutations and other variants (but, not always).

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