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How many of you are getting the VLAR Labs Vesta test prior to BCG?
I am reading that while BCG is the gold standard for NMIBC it is only 40% effective for the masses.
I learned of this testing through a member of the forum - thank you. I am curious as to how many are asking for this test and the results. My specimen /bio marker revealed (taken from TURBT sent by my care team to VLAR Labs) that I am not likely to receive any benefit from the BCG treatment.
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I am probably that member of the forum who had his pathology examined by the Valar Vesta system and which indicated that BCG would not be effective for me.
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1 ReactionYES! Thank you so much for the intel. I hope you are doing well and feeling good.
Many thanks again!
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1 ReactionI just made arrangements today for the pathology sample from my last TURBT in March to be sent to Valar Labs for the test. I had a TURBT followed by six BCG treatments in early 2024, three Adstiladrine treatments in 2025 - 2026 when the cancer returned (pT1), and am now awaiting another TURBT at Mayo on May 8th, to be followed by 12 BCG treatments. I'm don't know the degree to which the treatment decisions recommended by my doctor will be informed by the test results, but think that the testing can't hurt and might help prevent wasting time in treating the disease before it worsens.
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2 ReactionsOh my, you have had a time of it. I am so sorry. My surgeon called early today to go over the VLAR Labs Vesta test results I have a bio marker that indicated I am not likely to respond to BCG immunotherapy and that my tumor specimen revealed that I have a HIGH rate of recurrence and not progression. She said that BCG has a higher rate of success in specimens that indicate progression. I will have my 90 day follow-up scope on Wednesday and if recurrence or even the appearance of recurrence I will have another TURBT. I initially had 3 lesions of which one was high grade papillary carcinoma and the other two I just learned through additional microscopic pathology were acute chronic inflammation - not sure what that means. I wish you well and do hope you get some detailed information from the Vesta test that leads to a great course of action.
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6 ReactionsI had a Valar lab Vesta test that indicated I had no biomarkers that showed BCG resistance. A cancer specialists at Fred Hutch cancer center had never heard of this test and questioned its validity. My own doc also wondered how accurate it was. This is always the case with new technologies. Nevertheless, I started BCG and hope it works.
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4 ReactionsWhat do you mean when you say “40% effective for the masses? Doesn’t it depend on what type of cancer is being treated, the stage, etc?
@michzn Thank you, and my prayers for you as you fight the good fight.
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1 Reaction@michzn
I’m feeling fine and rode 31 and 34 miles on my bike at the weekend, admittedly with a little 50W e-assist to keep up with those 12 years younger. 2 hour sleep after each set me right for the evenings 😊.
Best wishes..
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3 Reactions@dks2500 My understanding is that % rate for the overall efficacy rate for all types of bladder cancers lumped together , as it is the automatic “gold standard” of care. However, absolutely it always depends, as in my personal results - I am not a likely to receive benefit from the treatment even though my pathology without the biomarker specimen test indicates I should receive it according to practice.
@gemdoc25 That is absolutely FABULOUS!