which tumor markers to ask for?

kidsandliz
kidsandliz Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Right now all anyone is doing, tumor marker wise is ER, PR, Her2.neu. I have found out about Oncotype DX and plan to ask for that since I am Er positive and so far as I know stage 1 based on size (don't know node status yet as surgery is Friday)

On this board I have also notice people posting p53 and K167 status.

So what is state of the art for tumor markers?

I can't go out of state per insurance and no comprehensive cancer centers here to find out state of the art treatment.

Thanks,
Liz

Comments

  • helen e
    helen e Member Posts: 223
    #2
    Liz
    The Oncotype test is where they send your tumor to California to see if it is receptive to chemo. There are a lot of things they look for. It is a very expensive test (almost $4000) but can be covered by insurance. I am lucky to have very good insurance and got it paid for (I think, I haven't seen a bill yet). They will call you before they do the test and talk to you about your coverage and how to afford it if your insur. doesn't cover it. I was ER positive and stage 1 too. Just had a mastectomy w/reconstruction on 12/11. As far as I know there are only 3 hormone tests and you have had all 3 - ER, PR and Her2nu. I don't think there is anything else they do, that is state of the art. I don't know anything about P53 or K167 - sorry. I hope this helped some.
  • kick-ca-ass
    kick-ca-ass Member Posts: 10
    #3
    BRCA 1 & 2 genetic testing
    BRCA 1 & 2 genetic testing for likelihood for breast and ovarian cancers. I had this test done for my risks of having ovarian cancer and for my daughter. I'm the first in my family of having breast cancer. You may also know about tumor markers CA 27.29 and CA 15. These are useful in monitoring the patient's response to therapy of metastatic breast caner. A response to treatment will be confirmed by declining levels. Likewise, a persistent rise in these levels despite therapy strongly suggests progressive disease. CA 125 used in detecting ovarian cancer and in determining its extent and response to treatment. This maybe more information than you need. I'm not trying to scare you but there are so many tests out there it can be mind boggling. Be sure to discuss each test with your oncologist and that he/she keeps you abreast of the WHYS of each test and the form of treatment in response to the outcome of these test.

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