NavDX positive test

Obviously everyone should do whats best for them, but, with that being said, IF early detection allows you far less invasive treatment options isn't that a worthy choice? For example, in my case, because my cancer load was so small when detected I was a candidate for immunotherapy which, again in my case, has little to no side effects and has been extremely effective. It’s possible that had I waited until the cancer had grown I might need to go through radiation again or other more harmful treatments.

I’m just a patient like all of you with no particular medical trading so this is not “advice”, just input into a conversation. I can only speak from my experience and have always operated under the advice of my physician team.

I hear you on that one.. because my focus is on maintaining the calm as well. Like I said in my other post... I do believe internal stress in our bodies re-activates the dormant viruses if we are not able to get control of it. I have what I would like to think is a solid foundation of faith and obedience, daily prayer, and "trust" in the Lord. These instances are definitely tests... and times to reflect on just how solid my "trust" is if I am letting something like a "positive" blood test get me all anxious and worried. So, for me, it is all about strengthening my trust, and only looking forward. Like this little kid said in a Bible study class a few weekends ago.... "I am blessed because I have the Lord in my heart". While I also do not like hospitals, so far this month, on top of the two scans this month... it is time for my 7-year follow-up colonoscopy next week as well. yippee.

Yes, I agree with you that if early detection will make a difference I would also seriously consider it. I just haven't read such treatments available for hpv+ survivors.

NavDx results to qualify for radiation de-escalation clinical trial

I saw my radiation oncologist today for the first time today. He explained to me that I could have been a candidate for a 2 week low dose de-escalation radiation trial, but my NavDx blood test was drawn after my positive lymph nodes were removed. At the time of the surgery, my ENT thought it was a benign cyst as the biopsy was inconclusive but during the procedure discovered it was matted lymph nodes that ended up being cancerous. The criteria for admission to the trial is a NavDx score of 200-250. My first test scored 95 which was from the remining primary small tonsil tumor. I was told It is likely I would have qualified if I got the test before the node removal but cant be accepted now. So the plan is now 5 weeks of 50GY radiation treatments. Hopefully this info can help someone in the future to ask for the NavDx early in the process.

What types of immunotherapy?

I forgot which topic I was updating my NavDX journey... so, I will just post it on both discussions: "Okay, follow-up to the rising NavDX numbers. To recap, I had a "negative" result approx six months post treatment (surgery/cisplatin/radiation). Jan 17th, 2023, one year post treatment, ENT physical check was NED; however, a NavDX "positive" of 8... followed up by a "positive" of 78 a few weeks later. PET last night, and follow-up with oncologist this morning revealed a metastasis "spot" on my lower, right rib bone lit up in scan. When the oncologist pointed to the approximate spot, I mentioned that that was interesting... because I had been the doctor for a "pain" in that spot prior to any diagnosis of cancer in the head and neck. So, she went back and reviewed my first PET scan (pre-surgery and treatment) from back in Sept of 2021. Guess what? It was there as well... they had just missed it. The inital PET was poor resolution, and the spot was lightly "lit up". To explain the first "negative" of nearly zero on the NavDX last year, the oncologist thinks that the chemo probably knocked it down enough to almost get rid of it... but didn't clear it completely. As a result, it started growing again... thus, the rising numbers. So, good news is that there is no new metastasis. Also, she said that the location of this spot is ideal for curative, medium-dose radiation (possibly only 3-4 treatments) to zap that one spot. Followed up 3 months from now with another PET to check for effectiveness. All in all, I am pretty pleased. Thank God for the NavDX! Without it, I would be blissfully ignorant.... assuming I was NED. Instead, I am jumping on a treatment plan asap. Also, the colonoscopy biopsy came back "benign" (however, it is pre-cancerous). So, I go to a colonoscopy every 3 years now vs every 7 years."

I think that the first pet showed the cancer and it was missed makes the nav dx, in your case, a complimentary failsafe to human error and I totally get that.

At my 1 month yesterday I asked my Dr what he thought of the nav dx He sounded genuinely impressed with the potential he, personally didn't know how the information would improve their treatment strategy(my impression of his words).

My Dr offered to order me the test down the road warning me insurance may or may not cover it. As cancer seems to be unique to the individual maybe this is my one shot idk. nobody has suggested immuno therapy to me and even chemo was only offered as an alternative to surgery so...

Well, it looks like right here we have seen a way that the NavDX test can be applied firsthand and how the results can be used right on this forum. Well ain't we the cutting edge here on CSN H&N

Take care, God Bless-Russ

LunTN - thanks for all your NavDX updates. Both my oncologist and radiologist are employing the blood test as part of our surveillance plan. Together, all the data tools (PET, CT NavDX, physical exam, etc) help with assessments and treatment plans. My initial NavDX test (pre-treatment) registered at 209, and post treatment registered at 0. Now, I'm having them done every 90-days......NavDX presently does not charge. With a 95% accuracy claim, it is these type of advancements that make early detection and prognosis hopeful.

Congratulations and you are a great example of NGU!

Never give up!