Topic: CK5/6 and EGFR - CMF vs. AC

When I asked my onc about testing my cancer to see if it was the basal type, she told me it was not necessary as my treatment plan would not change.  Although I was not happy with her response, I then decided not to pursue it as I felt I might not be able to mentally handle it if I knew I had a basal tumor, so I just let it go, hoping that the 4 DD AC and the 4 DD Taxotere ( I have my last taxotere this coming Thursday then on to rads) that I have had will do the trick.  I hate this triple negative cancer and am still having a difficult time with trying to stay positive throughout all of this.  I pray as time goes by that I develop some sort of acceptance of my diagnose and learn to cope with it better.  I hate living with this fear that I can never seem to put to bed.

Linda

Hi Ms. Bliss,

We too are encountering challenges in finding information on these tests and the TOP2A test. Maybe the Anthracycline lobby is hard at work? Once they have completed the study NSABP 46 (TC +/- Avastin vs. TAC), I am hoping it will provide conclusive evidence on the appropriateness of TOP2A marker to predict efficacy of Anthracyclines.

Where did you get the test done? How long did it take for the results? 

Regards,

Bump ....

Okay--I have to ask.  Who's the wife?

I all-

I am a TNC dx 2/06 I had those tests done.  My pathologist was a friend and encouraged me to send  out my specimen to a place outside Chicago.  I was suspicious for anigolymphatic  positive TOPO II @ 77% and my KI67 was 83%.  I have urged friends to get those tests done.  I have gone to their appts. with them and discussed the reason it is important.  One surgeon didn't know about it but did as we asked.  It has been helpful in treatment.  The word needs to get out.

I am a member of the medical profession and am dismayed at the lack of understanding over these tests.  Either way it is how we accumulate knowledge, facts, statistics for future reference.  You have to push harder at times but keep pushing.  

Best to you all

psp2pdx 

I looked around after reading your post, agreeing with both you and others that these specialized studies may be helpful in your personal plan.

I found these labs and specifically will link the CK5/6 page. They perform EGFR too:

http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Overview/82296

http://www.aruplab.com/guides/ug/tests/arup005.jsp

  You'd have to do further investigation as to whether you and your doctor feel comfortable with them. Certainly Mayo reference labs is well known (no personal affiliation). Most local and certainly big hospitals have contracts with these reference laboratories. This allows your doctor to write the prescription for blood tests, hospital draws and sends off. Since your inquiring about tests run on parrafin blocks of tumor,  the pathologists who read you slides would need to be involved  to order the tests and arrange for them to be sent in most circumstances.

 psp2pdx, nice to have you on board here. Always great to hear real life applications and encouragements for some of the newer cutting edge studies. It's a tad troubling that we patients hear and read and ask about them, but I get over that real fast.

best to everyone,

Tender

Thanks Diane....