I’m a Signatera client. Company is Natera . They Obtain a sample of BC tumor or node and draw blood done at oncology appointment. Within a few weeks they analyze the tissue and establish a DNA profile. Blood draw every 6 or 3 mos. In onco office or phlebotomist sent to your home by the company… free of charge… The blood is analyzed for circulating DNA (ctDNA) related to your tumor. I have had 3 … thankfully NEGATIVE… draws/results.
If positive it may represent 12-18 mos before a scan would detect . That is the reluctance of use… how to treat?
My oncologist would schedule a PET AND likely prescribe a medication like Verzenio , Kisquali or Ibrance which have long been used in Mets arena and now being used in primary treatment in non metastatic arena.
It’s comforting to get a negative result … but adds stress awaiting result.
I have asked this test multiple times to my oncologist. She believes there's nothing to be learned through it in metastatic setting. At one point she said, she asked to a Natera rep and that the rep agreed with her. However, another oncologist said the Natera MRD test would be helpful. I am so confused.
"The Signatera™ Residual Disease Test is a custom-built blood test for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or other solid tumors. Signatera™ can detect molecular residual disease (MRD) in the form of circulating tumor DNA—small fragments of DNA released by cancer cells."
I have asked this test multiple times to my oncologist. She believes there's nothing to be learned through it in metastatic setting. At one point she said, she asked to a Natera rep and that the rep agreed with her. However, another oncologist said the Natera MRD test would be helpful. I am so confused.
"The Signatera™ Residual Disease Test is a custom-built blood test for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or other solid tumors. Signatera™ can detect molecular residual disease (MRD) in the form of circulating tumor DNA—small fragments of DNA released by cancer cells."
Thanks for sharing. I understand your confusion. If the test results are positive then what? If they are negative does that mean 100% cancer free and life can go on without that cloud of recurrence hovering overhead? We need more information.
I have asked this test multiple times to my oncologist. She believes there's nothing to be learned through it in metastatic setting. At one point she said, she asked to a Natera rep and that the rep agreed with her. However, another oncologist said the Natera MRD test would be helpful. I am so confused.
"The Signatera™ Residual Disease Test is a custom-built blood test for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or other solid tumors. Signatera™ can detect molecular residual disease (MRD) in the form of circulating tumor DNA—small fragments of DNA released by cancer cells."
No. MRI is imaging but cannot detect DNA fragments circulating in the blood. Blood biopsies, as they are referred to, can detect tumor DNA activity 10-18 mos. Before any scans currently used. This is my best understanding. Call Natera for more information if you are considering this route.
Thanks for sharing. I understand your confusion. If the test results are positive then what? If they are negative does that mean 100% cancer free and life can go on without that cloud of recurrence hovering overhead? We need more information.
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What is the cost of the signatera test for those without Medicare or other insurance ?
Call Natera and they will be able to answer this. My “ understanding “ is that they are not charging right now pre FDA… development of data stage.
I’m a Signatera client. Company is Natera . They Obtain a sample of BC tumor or node and draw blood done at oncology appointment. Within a few weeks they analyze the tissue and establish a DNA profile. Blood draw every 6 or 3 mos. In onco office or phlebotomist sent to your home by the company… free of charge… The blood is analyzed for circulating DNA (ctDNA) related to your tumor. I have had 3 … thankfully NEGATIVE… draws/results.
If positive it may represent 12-18 mos before a scan would detect . That is the reluctance of use… how to treat?
My oncologist would schedule a PET AND likely prescribe a medication like Verzenio , Kisquali or Ibrance which have long been used in Mets arena and now being used in primary treatment in non metastatic arena.
It’s comforting to get a negative result … but adds stress awaiting result.
It’s definitely the wave of the future.🌸
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12 ReactionsI have asked this test multiple times to my oncologist. She believes there's nothing to be learned through it in metastatic setting. At one point she said, she asked to a Natera rep and that the rep agreed with her. However, another oncologist said the Natera MRD test would be helpful. I am so confused.
"The Signatera™ Residual Disease Test is a custom-built blood test for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or other solid tumors. Signatera™ can detect molecular residual disease (MRD) in the form of circulating tumor DNA—small fragments of DNA released by cancer cells."
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4 ReactionsThanks for sharing. I understand your confusion. If the test results are positive then what? If they are negative does that mean 100% cancer free and life can go on without that cloud of recurrence hovering overhead? We need more information.
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3 ReactionsIt is also referred to a “ liquid biopsy” Its been used in colon cancer for five years …
Just another added sense of peace for me. I’ve had four negative tests in the last year and a half…. I’ll take any and all tests I’m offered
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3 ReactionsDoes an MRI provide the same information?
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1 ReactionNo. MRI is imaging but cannot detect DNA fragments circulating in the blood. Blood biopsies, as they are referred to, can detect tumor DNA activity 10-18 mos. Before any scans currently used. This is my best understanding. Call Natera for more information if you are considering this route.
My question as well. If positive, will the provider act on it if scans are negative? Is this reliable enough to change therapy?