New Blood Test May help Predict Survival of Advanced Prostate Cancer

Interesting. I wonder if this yields more information than somatic testing of the tumor.

@mjp0512 from what I read from it, the advantage is that of a blood biopsy for metastatic patients (like me). It seems like a great tool to see what’s going on. PSMA scans are great but have limitations (type of cells it can see & size). I assume/hope Mayo is using this test or similar. Anyone know?

@zmarkv
That's why I'm curious. This article is a year old. My GU Oncologist automatically went with somatic testing with my metastatic disease in June of last year. No mention of this study. Or could be as simple as he knew that insurance would cover somatic.

@mjp0512 would this not be termed somatic testing? The tissue biopsy is one type, this blood biopsy is another. I’ve been frustrated that the blood biopsies are not used much because of the ever changing genetics of the prostate cancer cells. This is a key question that I’ll be asking about,

@zmarkv
"would this not be termed somatic testing?"

Interesting question. My most honest answer is, "Beats me"

Maybe the braintrust knows??

@mjp0512
Not more, but significantly different because it tests the circulating blood, or tests for circulatingg DNA-- evidence for the possibility of metastasis.
There is the PSE Episwitch testing available now for CT DNA likely using different methods of detection.
And there is the estimated testing https://ctdna.org/

Great news! Several variations of "liquid biopsies" are currently in late trials: others look for circulating tumour cells (CTCs) or extracellular vesicles (EVs).

The goal of all of them is to be able to determine whether a patient is truly "cancer free" (i.e. no undetectable dormant cells or microtumours that might wake up in the future).

I don't know if they'll get *all* the way there, but maybe in combination, these different types of liquid biopsy will soon give doctors enough confidence to pronounce that a patient is actually cured (rather than just "statistically cured", as is the case now).

@northoftheborder I understand that an additional purpose is to aim the treatment properly. Some toxic treatment do not work with some cell types while others are highly affective.

@gently They bring up a good point about these test regarding timing and it’s also true with scans; they are not effective during treatment that’s working. So if you’re on ADT and you’re still sensitive, neither will help identify your particulars. During an ADT vacation, you seem to have a unique opportunity to learn more. Getting back on ADT before exploring all available options for identification and pairing with the most effective treatment seems to be a mistake that too many doctors promote. Being educated prior to decisions is critical. Good doctors don’t expect blind trust.

@zmarkv This also helps to reduce the stress level that confusion clouds promote. A quest points you in a positive direction and while no one wants cancer, it’s interesting -if dealing with facts. You at least feel like you’re doing something productive.