Connect
Molecular residual disease (MRD) testing, anyone had it?
I went for my usual treatments for my stage 4 breast cancer yesterday, just a zometa infusion and a lupron injection. It didn't look like anything abnormal or I should say, nothing differently abnormal on my blood work.
Then I get a call early this morning from a lab called Natera, saying my oncologist ordered some specialty lab testing and that they want to come to my house in a few days and draw blood every 3 months after that to perform this testing. They mentioned a few different ones something about tumor markers, DPYD genotyping test and something called molecular residual disease (MRD) testing, which would be the repeat one I think. Has anyone had this before or are currently being monitored with this testing? I had never heard of it until today. I am just curious if it's something used pretty regularly or not? It's made me curious as to why they suddenly would order this after 3-1/2 years of the same run of the mill tests and treatment.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Yes, I had tongue and lymph node cancer in 2023. I've had Natera testing since then. They have my tumor DNA and search my blood for it every 2 months. Should my cancer return....the Natera test should show it first. That's the idea.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have been doing the Natera for 2 1/2 years. My doctor set me up to have it drawn every 3 months it’s supposed to see if there’s any cells in my blood from my original diagnosis. They use your cancer to make a profile and then test you against it. My test for 6 different draws were all zero then in January 2025 it came back positive. I had a reoccurrence. I’m going to ask them about the other thing you mentioned because I don’t know if that’s two separate tests with Natera or if that’s just another name, your doctor used. I would be glad to speak to you. You could call me and I can tell you what happened with me over the years with this process. I never use them coming to my house though I was always worried they may not know how to draw well and if you have an issue, you’re at home and I’d rather be in a facility to have my blood drawn lol