Signatera test -pros cons
Comments
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laughing gull has the same question I had. What exactly are you treating, location of met, and what drugs will you use, if you don’t know where the cancer is? Cancer drugs are specific in terms of what they treat . The treatment recommendations are not random based on the fact that there are cancer cells somewhere. Without knowing where the mets are, what are you treating? I wish it weren’t so but cancer treatments are not just general. Without that knowledge, you’re just taking a shot in the dark.
My father used to send me articles about treating cancer. Lung cancer, prostate cancer, you name it. He said, “Cancer is cancer”. But that is simply not true. Diagnosis and treatment is much more specific.2 -
I did Signatera testing for a year. I was extremely nervous before each one, wondering IF it was going to return positive. Luckily all of mine came back negative. But I have another question regarding this testing. In order to have a sample to test from they take a piece of your tumor and use it. So, wouldn't it just tell you if that particular tumor was back again, not a new different one?
I also had asked my oncologist what would happen IF it came back positive and nothing could be found. The response was nothing until something could be found, if that makes sense. There is so much that is just up in the air for this specific test. I've decided to opt out of anymore of them. Is it the right choice? I honestly don't know the answer to that at all.
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@kotchaj I agree with you regarding that the Signatera test is only looking for the characteristics of the tumor that was biopsied. For example, when I was diagnosed with Stage 1 BC 16 years ago, the Signatera test did not exist. However, even if I were to have used it in recent years, with my 16 year-old tumor characteristics (prior to my MBC diagnosis in 2024), would the test have found anything, since my new MBC tumor has different characteristics? Hard to know.
I now have had the Signatera test done several times, following my initial MBC treatment. As you can see by my signature, the first time it was negative. I went on a short treatment holiday and 6 weeks later the test showed extremely low positive. A month later I had a PET which showed slight uptake in an area that had previously had some uptake that had gone away. So, we started treatment again. If the PET had shown nothing (with a negative Signatera), I imagine the next step would have been a brain scan. If that had shown nothing, I'm not sure what my MO would've suggested.
I am having a Brain MRI, PET/CT and Signatera test—all in July. Just standard of care tests at this point. Hoping for good results given my current course of treatment. Wish there was a simple finger-prick blood test for all of this instead!
Hugs to all, Pam 💗
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@livinglifenow I so wish a finger prick could take the place of all of this. Or better yet, find a dang cure for it all!
Sending you big hugs and positive thoughts for July!
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From what I understand, cancer stem cell DNA in the blood will trigger a positive Signatera test and cancer stem cells can be resistant to chemotherapy.
SO that would be one reason why more study is needed on patients who test positive on Signatera. I remember a talk I watched from one of the BC conferences for oncologists and researchers where they talked about trying to develop ways to detect and kill the stem cells to prevent recurrence and spread in earlier stage patients. I don’t think we are there yet, but I’m not an expert just a patient myself who reads a lot.
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Currently the most promising clinical trials for preventing recurrence before it happens are looking for disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow of stage II and III ER+ patients. Stage 2 trials like PALAVY are trying to eradicate the DTCs with different drugs so that they will never reactivate and spread. It's too early to tell but researchers hope that one of the drugs being tested will stop recurrence when tumor cells are in hibernation. It's too early to tell but even though a bone marrow biopsy is more invasive than a blood test it would be worth it if this strategy works.
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I'm just following up after my last oncology appointment. I discussed this with my new oncologist. I've moved states so had to find a new oncologist. Since I am 4 years out from diagnosis and 3 out from treatment, we agreed that I could go to once a year for the Signatera testing. I am okay with doing that. The stress it adds while waiting just doesn't feel worth it to me at this point in time.
@livinglifenow sending big hugs and positive energy for your tests this month!
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@kotchaj Thanks for the positive vibes. I had my ECHO last week. All good. Also had a Brain MRI last week. All good.
Right now I’m sitting in waiting room for my 5th PET/CT. Hoping this one is clear, then I can really start breathing again!! 😁Signatera test today, too. Results take about a week.
Best to everyone awaiting labs and imaging!
Hugs, Pam 💗2 -
I just wanted to let everyone know that I just got the results of my July Signatera test—negative! I am hoping this means that the 2.8 SUV on my PET scan, done the day before the Signatera test, is post-radiation inflammation and/or bone remodeling. Seems logical to me.
Now just hoping the switch from Anastrozole to Exemestane makes me feel a bit less "blucky." 😜 Just started it a week ago, so it may take a while for the Anastrozole to clear my system.
Hope everyone had a great weekend and is enjoying this lovely day!
Hugs, Pam 💗
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I just saw my oncologist for my routine visit and she mentioned the Signatera test. I immediately came home and jumped on the forums to learn more. My MO said the test is controversial mainly because what do we do with the information if it's positive. She said she would schedule CT scans every 3-6 months because these circulating cells can take years to form into tumors visible on scans. I said don't all people have circulating cancer cells all the time that our immune systems are destroying and couldn't those cells be present but not a threat? She said yes.
A negative test would be such a relief but if it was a positive result, would I live in greater fear than I already am? I'm leaning towards having the test done mainly because I do feel like it will be negative. I don't know. I also never thought I would have breast cancer, lol.
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@joules44 I have the exact same dilemma. I want to know if the little buggers are floating around, but I also suspect that they are already. That’s why we do the scans and the AIs and other drugs meant to reduce risk of recurrence. On the other hand a negative test would be a huge relief.
I’ve had a visceral response to being called a “Survivor” because I feel like the battle isn’t really over when we stop the chemo and radiation. I prefer “warrior”. It feels more appropriate and maybe that’s why I’m leaning toward the Signatera test if it doesn’t cost too much.1 -
I just completed another PET scan and Signatera test. Once again, they both align. The PET showed no metastatic uptake and the Signatera test was negative. I believe I truly do trend when it comes to Signatera.
Strangely, my CA27.29 jumped to just a few points over normal (it was taken at the same time). However, my MO wasn't concerned because I was just coming off a really bad viral infection which can cause inflammation and thereby trigger a rise in CA27.29.
Now that I am feeling better, I suspect that my next CA test will be back in the normal range. Signatera is not influenced by inflammation and viruses!
Hugs, Pam 💗
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Great news, Pam! May it continue in the coming new year as well 💗
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