NavDX positive test

I should add so far all of my NavDx tests have been negative but we were discussing the test after I had a negative NavDx test but a PET-CT scan that showed uptake. I asked for a MRI instead of CT since the uptake was near the area I had previously had cancer but the CT part was not reliable due to dental artifact. The MRI showed nothing, scope showed nothing and my doctors went with that coupled with the negative NavDx. That was 9 months ago. I tend to have more faith in NavDx than Pet scans to some degree.

I just wanted to post an update to my husband's story to provide a bit of encouragement to others who are battling this monster. My husband had a successful robotically assisted laparoscopic liver resection on April 15th for a single met following a rise in his Nav Dx level from 13 to 74 in a 3-month time period. I am happy to report that the surgery went very well, and the tumor measured only 2.1 cm at the largest point. The tumor margins were clean. He came home in 24 hours and was fully recovered in 10 days, with minimal pain. His Nav Dx score 3 weeks after surgery was ZERO, no cancer DNA detected. The medical oncologist explained treatment options; active surveillance with Nav Dx and scans, or immunotherapy. My husband decided to go with active surveillance, given the sensitivity that the Nav DX test has shown in his case. The oncologist did test for PDL-1 expression and the test was positive, meaning Keytruda could be used in the future should his Nav dx level start to go up. The oncologist felt active surveillance was the best option, since immunotherapy does not come without risks and side effects. He also did genomic testing and found out that down the road he could benefit from a few clinical trials if the cancer returns. If any of you are still questioning the value of Nav Dx testing, I urge you to talk to your physicians about it. I have no doubt it has had a huge positive impact in my husband's case.

Thats great news. I now go every 3 months for labs and a NavDX test and every 6 months for labs, scans and NavDX. FWIW, in case you ever do need to choose immunotherapy, except for Pembro killing my thyroid my experience with a Pembro clinical trial was great with minimal side effects. It allowed my body to kill all of the cancer that had metasticized into my lungs.

I’m not sure if you can order it on your own but you could call NavDX and talk to them about it. Maybe they can talk to your oncologist?

My husband's thyroid is low from the chemoradiation, and he is already on replacement meds, so no real worries there. I have read your posts and you were the one who actually gave me hpe! To hear that the Pembro worked was great. That may be in the future, so it was good to hear you did so well. If that is in the future for him, it is nice to hear from someone who did fine with the therapy and got good results. Blessings to you.

Yes, we are so blessed to be in Columbus and getting care at The James Cancer hospital. The radiation oncologist is the one who has ordered the Nav Dx every three months and when it increased sharply, he ordered a CT scan of the head and chest. There was something abnormal around the liver, but the report said that it could be artifact. The oncologist wanted to be sure, which led to the PET/CT and then the MRI. I am a retired RN, so I have been reading and studying everything I can. The genomic testing is all brand new, but it is so good to have someone who is on top of it. We know how fortunate we are to be so close to care. I know many people travel a long way just to get care and that is hard when you are in the midst of treatment and not feeling well. Thank you for your words of encouragement. We are trusting God for whatever the future holds and will take it one step at a time. It is so good to have this forum where we can get encouragement and knowledge from those who have 'walked in our shoes".

Well, hipchef99, I am glad your care team is staying on top of this.

Sorry you are seeing an increase in the SUV level of the lymph node and an increase in your NavDX level but at least these indicators are very small in the body so you are in good shape there, it means you are way ahead of the curve. It seems your docs feel a biopsy is in order and that will show what in going on, a physical sample. So hopefully and prayerfully there are no issues to deal with but as you say "We shall see what the Biopsy brings".

Wishing You The Very Best

Take Care God Bless

Russ

Hi Robin, no surgery. My primary was in my Tonsil, back of throat and then traveling to 4 Lymph Nodes. I had 8  Cetuximab and 35 Rads.

Thanks for quick reply! I had 10+ lymph nodes removed (only 1 positive) along with a small lesion at base of tongue. This was followed by 20 rads over 2 weeks. Going back for first surveillance on 6/17. The radiation was worse for me than the surgery. Don’t know how all you guys got through 30-35 rads. Hope surgery is an option for you if the biopsy indicates further lymph node involvement. Hang in there!

I wish you the very best in your next steps. You and your care team seem to be on top of things. A NavDX score of 102 is concerning of course, but still low. I am a firm believer that catching this early provides the best outcomes! Prayers for you, stay strong!