I, too, am interested in the Signaterra test for tracking any recurrence because I am one of the small % of people who absolutely cannot tolerate the A.I. drugs OR Tamoxifen (apparently). Therefore, my tumor, which is 95% estrogen positive and has an onco score of 29 is 36% likely to recur if I don't take adjuvant therapy drugs, and I really can't for the A.I. pills, for sure (crippled me for 6 months; very bad osteoarthritis and previously injured left knee joint. In the MOST study from 1997 to 2020). I have had 3 oncologists and none will order it, because there was no spread and the level of my tumor was 1A. I learned from talking to the company itself (twice) that you can pay for it yourself and it is affordable, whereas it is pricey if it is on insurance. Still, my best onco (Texas) is hesitant, so I have to have a CT Scan with contrast on Tuesday, because my LFT (Liver function Test) numbers are off the charts, whereas they were fine one year ago. My father had colon cancer which traveled to his liver and killed him within 6 months, so I am very nervous. I also have never had a CT scan wih contrast, which sounds not fun. I have the information from Signaterra about getting the test yourself, and what that would cost, if anyone wants me to copy it, but I think you still need a physician to authorize it and, so far, none of them will. I also wonder, "How long do they keep the tumor on ice to go in and examine those 14 strands?" I ask because mine was excised on 1/27/2022 and that is going on 2 years ago, so how many years do I have this option before the remaining tumor material is destroyed? 3? 5? Anybody know.
I, too, am interested in the Signaterra test for tracking any recurrence because I am one of the small % of people who absolutely cannot tolerate the A.I. drugs OR Tamoxifen (apparently). Therefore, my tumor, which is 95% estrogen positive and has an onco score of 29 is 36% likely to recur if I don't take adjuvant therapy drugs, and I really can't for the A.I. pills, for sure (crippled me for 6 months; very bad osteoarthritis and previously injured left knee joint. In the MOST study from 1997 to 2020). I have had 3 oncologists and none will order it, because there was no spread and the level of my tumor was 1A. I learned from talking to the company itself (twice) that you can pay for it yourself and it is affordable, whereas it is pricey if it is on insurance. Still, my best onco (Texas) is hesitant, so I have to have a CT Scan with contrast on Tuesday, because my LFT (Liver function Test) numbers are off the charts, whereas they were fine one year ago. My father had colon cancer which traveled to his liver and killed him within 6 months, so I am very nervous. I also have never had a CT scan wih contrast, which sounds not fun. I have the information from Signaterra about getting the test yourself, and what that would cost, if anyone wants me to copy it, but I think you still need a physician to authorize it and, so far, none of them will. I also wonder, "How long do they keep the tumor on ice to go in and examine those 14 strands?" I ask because mine was excised on 1/27/2022 and that is going on 2 years ago, so how many years do I have this option before the remaining tumor material is destroyed? 3? 5? Anybody know.
I have been having the Signatera test done every six weeks. I read that Medicare will cover it at Stage 2B or higher and my UHC Medicare Advantage plan covered it. There are different Medicare Advantage plans from UHC. My oncologist agreed to order it. I have an ultra high risk recurrence score per my MammaPrint/BluePrint results. They used my core biopsy to set up the test. I had my core biopsy on August 27, 2023 and they sent some of the stored biopsy on Oct 11, 2023 for analysis when I had my first chemo infusion and I also hadvmy first blood draw that day. The first result took about 5 weeks because they had to analyze my biopsy to get markers. I have blood draws scheduled every 6 weeks. So far my results have been negative which means there is no Molecular Residual Disease which matches my tumor. Now my results come back in about a week. Signatera sends me the specialized blood vials. Their customer service is great. I had to have one of my blood draws in another state because I was in the middle of receiving Proton therapy there. Signatera will send a phlebotomist to do the draw. They came to me and it was no problem and no charge.
Natera blood biopsies have been used extensively to monitor colon cancer but using them for breast cancer is a fairly new development. According to studies that I have seen, the ctDNA is predictive much sooner than radiologic imaging. That extra time might give you a window to adjust treatments if you have a positive test result.
I, too, am interested in the Signaterra test for tracking any recurrence because I am one of the small % of people who absolutely cannot tolerate the A.I. drugs OR Tamoxifen (apparently). Therefore, my tumor, which is 95% estrogen positive and has an onco score of 29 is 36% likely to recur if I don't take adjuvant therapy drugs, and I really can't for the A.I. pills, for sure (crippled me for 6 months; very bad osteoarthritis and previously injured left knee joint. In the MOST study from 1997 to 2020). I have had 3 oncologists and none will order it, because there was no spread and the level of my tumor was 1A. I learned from talking to the company itself (twice) that you can pay for it yourself and it is affordable, whereas it is pricey if it is on insurance. Still, my best onco (Texas) is hesitant, so I have to have a CT Scan with contrast on Tuesday, because my LFT (Liver function Test) numbers are off the charts, whereas they were fine one year ago. My father had colon cancer which traveled to his liver and killed him within 6 months, so I am very nervous. I also have never had a CT scan wih contrast, which sounds not fun. I have the information from Signaterra about getting the test yourself, and what that would cost, if anyone wants me to copy it, but I think you still need a physician to authorize it and, so far, none of them will. I also wonder, "How long do they keep the tumor on ice to go in and examine those 14 strands?" I ask because mine was excised on 1/27/2022 and that is going on 2 years ago, so how many years do I have this option before the remaining tumor material is destroyed? 3? 5? Anybody know.
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.
Thanks for sharing and it sounds like your oncologist is on board! My oncologist at Dana Farber here in Boston was not and it's disappointing some docs don't want to use some of these new tools as early detection is still all we have. How difficult is it to get a sample of my tumor as I had a lumpectomy for invasive lobular in Nov 2022. I doubt Dana Farber would let me use their lab for the blood work up. Any intel appreciated!xoxo
I think you are doing something by taking the AI. The AI inhibits any cancer growth by depriving the cancer cells of estrogen. Even if you have cancer cells circulating, the AI should mitigate or prevent growth.
Thank you. I hope the AI keeps it from growing. I talked to my breast surgeon about my Signatera results and she is recommending to go back and do a mastectomy, (I just had a lumpectomy w/ radiation and had my ovaries removed when I was first diagnosed.) my oncologist isn’t sure that it will change anything.
I have had the test drawn twice so far. I just got my second test results today, it has been positive both times. A PET scan was ordered after the first test which did show 4 areas of concern, but my CT scans did not show anything. My oncologist does not want to start any new treatment until something definitive shows up on a CT scan or bone scan. I’m almost a year out from completing my surgeries and radiation. 10 months on Letrozole. I feel stuck in limbo with knowing it’s somewhere but not adding any treatment to stop it from growing.
I think you are doing something by taking the AI. The AI inhibits any cancer growth by depriving the cancer cells of estrogen. Even if you have cancer cells circulating, the AI should mitigate or prevent growth.
I have had the test drawn twice so far. I just got my second test results today, it has been positive both times. A PET scan was ordered after the first test which did show 4 areas of concern, but my CT scans did not show anything. My oncologist does not want to start any new treatment until something definitive shows up on a CT scan or bone scan. I’m almost a year out from completing my surgeries and radiation. 10 months on Letrozole. I feel stuck in limbo with knowing it’s somewhere but not adding any treatment to stop it from growing.
I have had the test drawn twice so far. I just got my second test results today, it has been positive both times. A PET scan was ordered after the first test which did show 4 areas of concern, but my CT scans did not show anything. My oncologist does not want to start any new treatment until something definitive shows up on a CT scan or bone scan. I’m almost a year out from completing my surgeries and radiation. 10 months on Letrozole. I feel stuck in limbo with knowing it’s somewhere but not adding any treatment to stop it from growing.
Thank you for adding your experience. As I posited at the start a negative test leaves one with some relief for a while and a positive test leaves one in limbo worrying what’s next.
I have had the test drawn twice so far. I just got my second test results today, it has been positive both times. A PET scan was ordered after the first test which did show 4 areas of concern, but my CT scans did not show anything. My oncologist does not want to start any new treatment until something definitive shows up on a CT scan or bone scan. I’m almost a year out from completing my surgeries and radiation. 10 months on Letrozole. I feel stuck in limbo with knowing it’s somewhere but not adding any treatment to stop it from growing.
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Check with Natera about timing on tumor tissue analysis and physician scripting. They may have resources.
I think tissue banking for years is fairly standard. I’m sure there must be some limit. Check with the lab ( hospital) that stores your tissue.
I have been having the Signatera test done every six weeks. I read that Medicare will cover it at Stage 2B or higher and my UHC Medicare Advantage plan covered it. There are different Medicare Advantage plans from UHC. My oncologist agreed to order it. I have an ultra high risk recurrence score per my MammaPrint/BluePrint results. They used my core biopsy to set up the test. I had my core biopsy on August 27, 2023 and they sent some of the stored biopsy on Oct 11, 2023 for analysis when I had my first chemo infusion and I also hadvmy first blood draw that day. The first result took about 5 weeks because they had to analyze my biopsy to get markers. I have blood draws scheduled every 6 weeks. So far my results have been negative which means there is no Molecular Residual Disease which matches my tumor. Now my results come back in about a week. Signatera sends me the specialized blood vials. Their customer service is great. I had to have one of my blood draws in another state because I was in the middle of receiving Proton therapy there. Signatera will send a phlebotomist to do the draw. They came to me and it was no problem and no charge.
Natera blood biopsies have been used extensively to monitor colon cancer but using them for breast cancer is a fairly new development. According to studies that I have seen, the ctDNA is predictive much sooner than radiologic imaging. That extra time might give you a window to adjust treatments if you have a positive test result.
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3 ReactionsI, too, am interested in the Signaterra test for tracking any recurrence because I am one of the small % of people who absolutely cannot tolerate the A.I. drugs OR Tamoxifen (apparently). Therefore, my tumor, which is 95% estrogen positive and has an onco score of 29 is 36% likely to recur if I don't take adjuvant therapy drugs, and I really can't for the A.I. pills, for sure (crippled me for 6 months; very bad osteoarthritis and previously injured left knee joint. In the MOST study from 1997 to 2020). I have had 3 oncologists and none will order it, because there was no spread and the level of my tumor was 1A. I learned from talking to the company itself (twice) that you can pay for it yourself and it is affordable, whereas it is pricey if it is on insurance. Still, my best onco (Texas) is hesitant, so I have to have a CT Scan with contrast on Tuesday, because my LFT (Liver function Test) numbers are off the charts, whereas they were fine one year ago. My father had colon cancer which traveled to his liver and killed him within 6 months, so I am very nervous. I also have never had a CT scan wih contrast, which sounds not fun. I have the information from Signaterra about getting the test yourself, and what that would cost, if anyone wants me to copy it, but I think you still need a physician to authorize it and, so far, none of them will. I also wonder, "How long do they keep the tumor on ice to go in and examine those 14 strands?" I ask because mine was excised on 1/27/2022 and that is going on 2 years ago, so how many years do I have this option before the remaining tumor material is destroyed? 3? 5? Anybody know.
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4 ReactionsI never heard of this test. Thanks for the info. Hugs to all of you!
Thanks for sharing and it sounds like your oncologist is on board! My oncologist at Dana Farber here in Boston was not and it's disappointing some docs don't want to use some of these new tools as early detection is still all we have. How difficult is it to get a sample of my tumor as I had a lumpectomy for invasive lobular in Nov 2022. I doubt Dana Farber would let me use their lab for the blood work up. Any intel appreciated!xoxo
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1 ReactionThank you. I hope the AI keeps it from growing. I talked to my breast surgeon about my Signatera results and she is recommending to go back and do a mastectomy, (I just had a lumpectomy w/ radiation and had my ovaries removed when I was first diagnosed.) my oncologist isn’t sure that it will change anything.
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2 ReactionsI think you are doing something by taking the AI. The AI inhibits any cancer growth by depriving the cancer cells of estrogen. Even if you have cancer cells circulating, the AI should mitigate or prevent growth.
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1 ReactionSo sorry to hear about it. May God bless you. I highly recommend the book “Healing the sick” T L Osborn.
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1 ReactionThank you for adding your experience. As I posited at the start a negative test leaves one with some relief for a while and a positive test leaves one in limbo worrying what’s next.
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2 ReactionsI have had the test drawn twice so far. I just got my second test results today, it has been positive both times. A PET scan was ordered after the first test which did show 4 areas of concern, but my CT scans did not show anything. My oncologist does not want to start any new treatment until something definitive shows up on a CT scan or bone scan. I’m almost a year out from completing my surgeries and radiation. 10 months on Letrozole. I feel stuck in limbo with knowing it’s somewhere but not adding any treatment to stop it from growing.
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